New fund for projects celebrating local food and drink
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North politician Maree Todd has highlighted a new Scottish Government fund that will support projects celebrating locally sourced and produced food and drink.
She is keen to see groups in the north applying for the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.
It aims to support the sector’s recovery from coronavirus with £100,000 of Scottish Government funding. The fund is part of the Food and Drink Recovery Plan and will be managed by Scotland Food & Drink with grants of up to £5000 available to applicants.
The deadline to apply is March 15.
Ms Todd, an SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Our world-class food and drink sector has faced an extremely challenging year, so this funding – which will contribute to its recovery from Covid-19 – comes at an important time.
“Between Brexit and Covid-19, there are very few food and drink businesses that haven’t been seriously affected – but it’s vital our food and drink industry keeps growing and bringing benefits to Scotland and the Highlands.
“This money will play an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long term.
“I’d encourage all eligible groups and businesses in the Highlands to apply before the deadline on March 15.”
Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland is home to much of the world’s greatest produce and we must do all we can to protect and promote it. We are continuing to work closely with the sector to support it through this economic crisis.
"We expect that there will be high demand for this fund and I would encourage eligible groups and businesses to apply.
“The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership launched the Food and Drink Recovery Plan to help the sector with its recovery from Covid and prepare for Brexit, supported by £5 million from Scottish Government for 2020/21. We are providing an additional £5 million over 2021/22.
"This funding will help Scotland Food & Drink and industry partners to come together to work on fairer, greener and sustainable solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.”
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership Regional Food Fund allows for vital support to promote and encourage great local food initiatives.
“The Regional Food Fund has already played an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.
“The funding has come at an important time and allows us to continue to support regional activities, networks and collaborative initiatives across the country and aid the sector’s recovery from a devastating 12 months.”
