By Rob Edwards
Environment Editor
Food businesses in Scotland will have to prove they are environmentally-friendly to qualify for a slice of a new £60 million government grant scheme.
Ministers have decided that commitments to sustainability, reducing waste and healthy eating will be critical in deciding whether or not to back enterprises with much-needed funds.
Starting tomorrow, up to £10m a year will be up for grabs in grants for companies to promote Scottish food.
Money will be handed out to help construct new facilities, refurbish premises or purchase new equipment. Grants will also go to improving marketing and collaboration on food distribution and access to markets.
But applicants will have to show how projects will cut their "carbon footprint". Projects will also be expected to contribute to the government's healthy eating campaign by reducing fat and salt consumption.
"For the first time, the scheme offers support to help food businesses access the supply chain," said the rural affairs and environment minister, Richard Lochhead. "They must also demonstrate their environmental credentials and show they are making efforts to develop healthier food."
This was all in line with future food policy, which would be taking a "cross-cutting approach" to food and its impact of health, the environment and economy. "Supporting Scottish food is in our national interest and this scheme aims to help our food enterprises flourish and grow," he added.
"We produce some of the finest food in the world, from our quality meat to our soft fruit and oats, yet it is not always easy for Scottish suppliers to access markets. This fund aims to develop greater collaboration and ensure businesses can get into supply chains and meet consumer demand."
The launch of the National Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Scheme this week will be welcomed by food businesses. It is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme, given the go-ahead by the European Commission after a series of delays.
Skye and Lochalsh Food Link, a voluntary group of small producers formed in 2000, was funded under the scheme. Funding let it increase the number of local producers and retailers involved.
Scotherbs, a fresh herb company based at Longforgan near Dundee, also received a grant to help to build a new packhouse and handling equipment. It supplies herbs, leaf salads, mustards, pestos and salsas to a wide range of customers, including Tesco.
