HARPER HIGHLIGHTS D&G FOOD AND DRINK POTENTIAL

South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper will this week highlight what more can be done to support the food and drink sector in Dumfries and Galloway – and throughout the South of Scotland.

Ms Harper will speak in a parliamentary debate this Thursday (September 14^th), on the Scottish Government’s Food and Drink Strategy.

The Scottish Government recently launched a strategy focussed on doubling the value of the industry to £30 billion by 2030.

Ms Harper said:

“Scotland already has a phenomenally successful food and drink sector – which is vital to the rural economy – and I am delighted to welcome the Scottish Government’s ambitious vision to go further in cementing food and drink as Scotland’s most valuable industry.

“My priority is to see that Dumfries and Galloway benefits from the new strategy.

“Customers place real value on food provenance, and this is an opportunity for Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway to capitalise.

“In the south of Scotland we have produce which is in high demand globally: such as Galloway beef, Loch Ryan Oysters, and Great Cheese including, Galloway Cheddar and some Damn Fine Cheese from the Company with the same name.

“We also have some extremely innovative local people dedicated to making food and drink work for the benefit of the local economy.

“I am working with a wide range of stakeholders to take forward two ideas which will be a valuable boost in terms of food tourism – and will take the opportunity to highlight them to the chamber in my speech on Thursday.

“The first is a south west tourist trail. I am working with local businesses to ensure that they would directly benefit from this proposal; and I am happy to say that the Scottish Government is behind the idea and ready to provide support.

“I am also campaigning for the Regions in the South, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, to be included on road signage on the M74 and A702. Currently, when a visitor travels south from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the road signs send them directly to “the South and Carlisle”.  These visitors are already in Scotland spending their tourism pounds, and this proposal highlights the need to encourage them to stay here for an extra few days.”

Ms Harper added:

“The key to unlocking the £30 billion potential of the food and drink industry will be ensuring the success of our supply chain by supporting farmers and fishermen; and investing in our existing workforce.

“As we face the realities of the Exit from the European Union we must do everything possible to support our rural industries to become more sustainable, and more resilient.

“On Thursday I will also outline some priorities I see for the food & drink and agricultural sectors in the south of Scotland.

“I believe that our many examples of innovation, sustainability, and best practice need to be higher profile within Scotland – there is a lot that can be learned from the south of Scotland, and shared nationally.

“We must also do more to increase the general understanding of the complex and interdependent nature of rural economies. For example, the forced removal of EU nationals from the dairy industry will have a severe knock on effect throughout the agricultural, and food and drink sectors.

“Rural areas excel at primary production, but often the value is added elsewhere – we can help areas to retain the full value of their produce through food tourism; and utilising the provenance of world class Scottish products as a marketing tool.

“I look forward to continuing to support the food and drink sector; and the creative, and dedicated individuals involved in it, to achieve this Government’s ambitious vision for 2030 and beyond.