Listen
Showcasing Scottish produce
02/04/2009
A new guide which celebrates the best of Scotland's food and drink was launched today.
The publication, 'A Larder', has been produced by the Scottish Food Quality Certification (SFQC) in partnership with the List Magazine.
Backed by financial support from the Scottish Government, the book is part of a drive by the Scottish Organic Producers Association to encourage more Scottish organic and artisan food to be used by caterers in Scotland.
The guide includes listings of hundreds of Scottish food and drink producers and outlets alongside snapshots of food stories and tips from chefs and producers.
Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, said:
"It's greatly encouraging to see so many people in Scotland's food industry being so passionate about the way that food is produced. 'Scotland's Larder' is further proof of the growing level of awareness of the real benefits of our delicious and world-class fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and iconic drink brands. Congratulations to everyone involved for making this happen, we are delighted to support it.
"We will not rest on our laurels. In the year of Homecoming - much of which revolves around the promotion of Scotland as a nation of quality food and drink - we will be announcing the latest phase of our developing National Food and Drink Policy. It aims to put even more Scottish food on plates while at the same time delivering substantial health, environmental and economic benefits."
SFQC Chief Executive Tim Bailey said:
"It has been an exciting project for SFQC to be involved with especially at this time where there is increased interest in local food sourcing by the food service sector and consumers in general. SFQC is grateful to SOPA for being contracted to deliver this work and in turn to the Scottish Government for the support it provided SOPA via the Marketing Development Scheme allowing elements of this work to proceed."
The SOPA project has been delivered by SFQC and has received support funding from the Scottish Government through the Marketing Development Scheme, helping SFQC to be involved with and assist a range of events and activities where producers sell more food locally. Over the past three years this has led to projects such as a Western Isles school meal initiative where children can enjoy fabulous, fresh local fish, meat and veg and support to Skye Foodlinks where local producers join forces to fund and manage van delivery of local produce to local restaurants.
SOPA is Scotland's largest organic certification group, with 500 members.
SFQC is a food and drink certification business, involved in checking and validating claims made by over 16,000 Scottish farms and food companies.
The List publishes guides to events in Edinburgh & Glasgow. It also publish an annual Eating & Drinking Guide to approximately 1,000 Scottish restaurants
The Larder publication will be circulated with the List magazine, sold through a range of bookshops, and will be used by Scottish Government at a number of Homecoming events to help celebrate Scotland's great food.