Scotland’s food and drink industry deserves your support

We have had weeks of supermarkets pumping out jingle-jangle happy-happy songs, yet many people are struggling to put food on the table.

Businesses across the country are doing all they can just to keep their doors open and there can be few unmoved by the appalling horrors taking place in the wider world. Political upheaval and increasing climate change impacts mean it is crucial we support Scotland’s food and drink producers.

Earlier this year, an agricultural academic told me how the poor spring weather meant fields of grain meant for human consumption had been downgraded first to sheep fodder, and then to cattle feed.

READ MORE: Activists urge Scottish Government to publish good food plan

When I asked what this meant for food security, he responded with a grim shake of the head, a wry smile and a raised eyebrow. The situation across the world is concerning.

Floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and warfare are hitting food production and, crucially, the quality, quantity, and availability of seed being grown for future crops.

Some nations already are taking steps to shore up their food supplies: in 2022 India banned exports of wheat flour, in 2023 it stopped exports of non-basmati white rice, and recently banned the export of onions until March 2024.

The UK Government’s flagship post-Brexit strategy – delayed five times since 2019 – is due to be implemented at the end of January 2024. These include costly export health certificates, sanitary and phytosanitary checks on plant and animal goods coming in from the EU.

Although many in the sector say our continental counterparts have had a commercial advantage because UK exports into the EU have had to submit to full checks since January 2021, looking at the frequently empty post-Brexit shelves in the supermarkets, I am not convinced by Westminster assurances these additional checks and costs will not lead to more interruptions or added expense in the supply chain, and yet higher prices.

Meanwhile, the additional impact of Brexit deal imports from elsewhere is piling the pressure on our farmers.

People from across Scotland have been contacting the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign to say they no longer can find Scotch lamb on their local supermarket shelves, but there is New Zealand and, increasingly, Australian lamb aplenty.

READ MORE: Scottish oat milk brand to be distributed UK-wide for first time

This festive season, Quality Meat Scotland launched its first Christmas advert in Scotland, encouraging people to put something different on the menu, pointing to Scotland’s iconic full-life farm assured brands: Scotch Lamb, Scotch Beef and Specially Selected Pork.

Emma Heath, marketing director at Quality Meat Scotland. “We’ve got some incredible stories to tell about the people who work the land, the way that they run their farms, and the history behind some of those farms. I do think we have an opportunity to talk more about what’s behind the label.

“From a welfare perspective, from a provenance perspective, from a traceability perspective, you can absolutely guarantee that things have been done properly for every animal that goes through the scheme.

“I have friends who are vegetarian and, while they won’t eat meat themselves, when they buy it for their families they make sure that they buy meat and meat products which are traceable, ethically sourced and sustainably sourced. That blue badge of Scotch quality is fantastic to have.”

READ MORE: Christmas dinner more expensive due to cost of living crisis

Heath points to the high commitment a number of supermarkets have for the Scotch brand, and, of course, our high street butchers with a wealth of ways to cook delicious meals, and cheaper cuts which help money go further in these difficult times.

She points out, however, that some Scottish lamb goes for slaughter outwith Scotland and is therefore sold under the generic “British” label, losing that valuable Scotch PGI status.

The issue facing our food and drink is not restricted to the meat sector, though. From brambles to dairy and beyond, we can struggle to find Scottish produce because the origin of the food is not clearly labelled. Rules covering food labelling is reserved to Westminster.

Market research body 56 Degree Insight looked at Scottish attitudes for The Knowledge Bank, an initiative established by the Scottish Food and Drink Partnership.

Despite the impacts of rising costs on food and drink choices, the survey found 82% of those Scots interviewed stated they would like to be able to buy more food and drink produced in Scotland.

The most common reasons given for preferring Scottish produce over food and drink made elsewhere were a desire to support the local economy, the produce being fresher, a lower carbon footprint and expectations of higher quality.

However, to meet their demand for more Scottish produce, consumers stated they would like to see greater availability in shops, clearer labelling of produce made in Scotland (on labels and in store) and more competitive prices.

Most Scots recognise that using local shops is important as it supports their local economy (86%), make the area a nicer place to live (82%) and can boost their sense of community (80%).

While the survey also showed that currently, the majority of frequent shopping is undertaken in supermarkets and normally by car, it’s also clear that many Scottish consumers want to support local independent shops, especially if the range of products available appeals, the price is right, and shops are within easy reach.

Food security. Supporting local. These aren’t just empty slogans. They are crucial. Local food supply supports local food security. Many of our food and drink producers are struggling – the impact of Brexit, climate change, and the cost-of-living crisis is hitting those who feed our nation at a time when we really need them to succeed.

This year let’s resolve to speak up, to speak out, and actively work to keep Scotland the brand.

Ruth Watson is the founder of the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign