This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister works up an appetite for healthy food projects
21/07/2005
Deputy Minister for Rural Development Rhona Brankin
today visited two community projects aimed at encouraging
people with mental health issues and learning difficulties
to get involved in food production.
Roots and Shoots allotment scheme in Tillicoultry and
the Camphill community project in Blairdrummond are part of
the Forth Valley Food Links Project which works to enhance
access to local produce in the area.
Both programmes raise awareness of the health,
environmental, economic and social benefits of a strong
local food sector by offering individuals hands on
experience in the production chain.
Ms Brankin said:
"The Roots and Shoots and Camphill projects are
excellent examples of how community groups can contribute
to improving the diet and general health of people in the
local area by encouraging the use of fresh, locally
produced food.
"In order to achieve a healthier Scotland we must
generate more interest in local food production and to do
this it is important we forge tighter links between
communities and food producers."
Ms Brankin will learn how one farmer has achieved this
over lunch when she visits the award winning Coffee Bothy
at Blairmains Farm in Blairlogie.
The farm owner restructured and diversified his business
with help from the Scottish Executive's Farm Business
Development Scheme and he now sells a wide range of local
food products and employs 36 staff from the surrounding
areas.
Visiting his farm shop, Ms Brankin said:
"In an increasingly competitive world, Scotland's
farmers must look to add value to their product by
capturing what is special about their area. The success of
this business in Blairlogie proves that selling local
produce can deliver a healthy return on investment as well
as bringing wider economic benefits."
The Forth Valley Food Links (FVFL) is a partnership
project supported by Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan
Councils and NHS Forth Valley which aims to increase
community access to fresh local produce.
The FVFL received a Scottish Executive Sustainable
Action Grant of 61 thousand pounds for a 3 year
project.
The Farm Business Development Scheme (FBDS) offers
farmers variable grant rates of up to 50 percent towards
eligible project costs of up to 30 thousand pounds for a
single application or 35 thousand pounds for a
collaborative project.
12.5 million pounds of FBDS grants have been awarded to
708 applicants since August 2001.