MAJOR supermarkets have been challenged to do more to support Scottish farmers and food producers.

The call has come from one of the SNP’s Holyrood election candidates, who says that during the first Covid-19 lockdown, many big chains changed their ranges to cope with increased consumer demand.

This move reduced the range of locally sourced products in the process.

But many, including the likes of Asda and Tesco, have been slow to return their range to pre-pandemic levels, according to Fergus Mutch, the SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire West.

Research by the Scottish Farmer magazine last year found that since Covid-19, just 40% of the beef on supermarket shelves is Scotch. This figure stood at 53% in 2019.

And it’s estimated that just 13% of Asda’s beef range, and 9% of Sainsbury’s, is Scotch. The percentage of Scotch Lamb on our shelves has also dropped dramatically from 57% to 36%.

NFU Scotland had last week called on supermarkets to “step up to the plate” after it was uncovered that the majority of pork on the shelves of Asda and Tesco was imported from outside the UK.

Mutch said: “While some supermarkets are 100% committed to stocking Scottish produce, many major retailers aren’t doing nearly enough.

“Stores such as Aldi, Lidl and the Co-op are all strong supporters of the Scotch brand – but often still fall short when it comes to Scottish seafood.

“In the north east especially, we have some of the best quality food and drink in the world, but the big players like Asda and Tesco are choosing to ignore the best of Scotland’s larder right here on our doorstep.

“Scottish producers have been hit hard by Brexit and the pandemic. They deserve the support of these multinational corporations now more than ever.

“We know consumers want to see more sustainable and locally sourced produce on their supermarket shelves – I’ve written to retailers to see what steps they will be taking to improve the situation.”