Listen
Shoppers urged to buy local
31/12/2007
Shoppers have been urged to try to buy in-season Scottish produce, to celebrate the quality of home-grown food this New Year and beyond.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has pledged to increasingly consider where his food comes from and source more food from Scotland wherever practical.
Mr Lochhead said:
"Food is a vitally important issue which impacts on many aspects of Scottish life - health, business and environment. At this time of year, following the rich food we have enjoyed over the Christmas period, our thoughts often turn to healthier eating.
"Scotland has a fantastic range of seasonal quality food and there is a growing appetite among consumers to source more home-grown produce.
"There is far more to food than what we put on our plate. By making healthier choices from Scotland, consumers will not only have the ingredients to help make up a healthier diet but will also be supporting Scottish farmers, fisherman and our food industry.
"There is a wide selection of seasonal, healthy produce available at this time of year. Fresh carrots, winter leeks and mushrooms are ripe for the seasonal menu alongside top-quality Scottish meat and fish. I'd like to encourage everyone to take up the challenge and think Scottish produce first."
A debate about a national food policy will be launched later this month, aiming to get everyone with an interest in food to contribute to a long-term vision for Scottish food. A national food policy will bring together health, education, economic and tourism issues through more collaborative working.
In January, a wide range of seasonal, healthy Scottish produce is available, including:
- Vegetables: Carrots, turnip, leeks, squash, purple sprouting broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, celeriac, parsnip, chicory, beetroot, and mushrooms
- Fruit: Rhubarb and pears
- Meat: Chicken, beef, pork, lamb and mutton and wild duck
- Fish: Langoustine, halibut, sardines, mussels, oysters and cockles