Food shortages could hit Scotland because it relies so heavily on imports, according to a new report. It warns that Scotland must grow more of its own produce and develop a resilient food supply chain.

Food shortages could hit Scotland because it relies so heavily on imports, according to a new report.

It warns that Scotland must grow more of its own produce and develop a resilient food supply chain or risk being vulnerable to global emergencies disrupting supplies - including the flu pandemic.

Richard Lochhead, the Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary, warned "a plentiful food supply can't be taken for granted".

The Scottish Government report Mapping and Analysis of the Resilience of the Food Supply Chain in Scotland, is aimed at helping preparations for events such as health scares, flooding, the impact of climate change, land contamination from chemical or nuclear accidents, flooding and industrial action.

The government says it is already taking measures to address "food security" through building capacity and skills to produce food and keep production at the heart of farming, fishing and aquaculture policies.

It also pledges to support a legal framework to ensure food and drink producers, processors, retailers and consumers are treated fairly and fund new research to improve the security of the food supply.

It says it is also providing advice and additional funding to local producers to help them develop markets for their products and encourage the growth of farmers markets, farm shops and local food initiatives. Mr Lochhead said: "International food shortages, the economic downturn and the recent G8 Summit have undoubtedly pushed the issues of food security, access and affordability up the agenda."

He said the government's response to previous emergencies, such as the strike at Grangemouth oil refinery earlier this year, showed the importance of being properly prepared for disruption.

He added: "It's important that we act on the report's recommendations and provide businesses with the guidance and support they need to prepare for potentially difficult scenarios.

"Secure and resilient food supplies are at the heart of our new national food and drink policy. The world is changing. With climate change, an increasing world population and threats of pandemic disease we know the abundance of a plentiful food supply can't be taken for granted.

"Scotland's food and drink producers have an important part to play not only in our own nation's food security but in that of global food security. To ensure this, we need a thriving food and drink industry."