08 August 2008, 17:22 PM
  • The Scottish Government has announced it will invest six million pounds in companies involved in the production or marketing of local food.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs and environment, Richard Lochhead, says, “Supporting Scottish food is in our national interest and this funding will help our food businesses grow and flourish. We produce some of the freshest, finest produce in the world but it is not always easy for Scottish suppliers to access markets. This funding will help to develop greater collaboration and ensure that businesses can get into supply chains and meet consumer demand.”

“This is all in line with our national food and drink policy, taking a cross-cutting approach to food and its wider impacts on our health, our environment and our economy. A healthy future for the food and drink industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland.”

Twenty-seven companies have been awarded capital grants including the Orkney Cheese Company, Scotherbs and GW Miller & Sons.