A new watchdog set up by the Scottish government will provide support and direction for local food initiatives, with a view to improving the country’s food supply chain.

The £2.5 million Scottish National Food Forum will investigate possible improvements for Scotland’s food supply chain, and focus on becoming more self sufficient. The initial period of funding will cover the Forum’s activities over three years.

Launched on Thursday, the initiative will see the Scottish Government working in collaboration with SRUC (formerly Scottish Agricultural College) to set up a ‘Think Local’ scheme which will support and advise local food companies, networks and communities. Part of this work will be setting up a ‘Community Food Fund’, to deliver grants to projects including local food marketing, food tourism, farmers markets, food festivals and events.

In line with recommendations made to the Westminster government by its Environmental Audit Committee, the Plans for the National Food & Drink Forum will see experts from industry, health and environment concerns advise the Scottish government on its food policy decisions.

Announcing the scheme, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said, “Here in Scotland we have a fantastic range of fine food and drink right on our doorstep. Think Local will help champion local food, by supporting projects and events across Scotland.

“Scotland has made great strides over the past five years in how our food and drink is perceived, backed up by soaring exports. But I want more Scots to have access to delicious and nutritious local food, which is a particular challenge during these tough economic times. This is one issue I intend to put to the National Food & Drink Forum.”

Mr Lochhead said that the Forum would also consider the possible impacts of climate change on food production in Scotland and look to create a supply chain that is sustainable in the long term. He added, “For our food and drink industry to continue to be successful we also to face up to the challenges. That includes the climate challenge, the diet challenge and the economic challenge. The Forum will bring together a diverse range of individuals to think ahead on these key issues and ensure we are best positioned for the future.”

Speaking about his hopes for the new body, Mr Lochhead said at the SNP conference in Perth on Thursday, "Recently, our dairy farmers were being forced to supply milk at a loss. There is something seriously wrong somewhere and I want to ensure our food supply chains are fit for purpose."

Although the full remit of the Forum will become clear over the coming months, Think Local’s aims will be to develop new local food networks, deliver training and development and provide renewed support for farmer’s markets.

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