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NFU Scotland delivers response to Parliament’s Call for Views
Words by Policy Manager Lisa Hislop-Smith
Last week, NFU Scotland submitted its response to the Scottish Parliament’s Call for Views on the Good Food Nation Plan developed as part of the Good Food Nation Act (Scotland) 2022. The Plan aimed to set out a long-term vision for transforming Scotland’s food system, making the nation healthier with a thriving, sustainable food and drink industry. It aimed to integrate food policy across all areas of Government and outline how food supports health, economic growth and social justice. While the overall ambition has been welcomed, we believed the Plan lacks the urgency and clarity needed to deliver meaningful change for our members.
What is the National Plan?
The Plan is required as part of the Act, to provide a guide to turn the ambition of the Act into a reality. It outlined six national outcomes, ranging from improving public health to empowering communities and boosting the food and drink sector. It also introduced an indicator framework to measure progress and provided the basis for local authorities and health boards to develop their own Local Plans.
Our response
There has been a strong focus on improving public health through better food which was welcomed by the Union. However, fresh local produce, including red meat and dairy, should be integral to mitigate elements of the public health crises; the National Plan could be stronger in this area.
While it was no mean feat to start the ball rolling on holistic policy development across all corners of Scottish Government, we have been concerned that there’s little in the way of new or actionable commitments; especially for those working in agriculture and food production.
We welcomed the inclusion of the Soil Association’s Food for Life Programme, which aims to encourage and reward caterers to serve fresh food, champion local food producers, make health eating easy and source environmentally sustainable and ethical food.
Moreover, the indicator framework as a means to measure progress, has been a step in the right direction but as it stands some of it feels vague. We have asked for better balance, clearer targets and more detail on how the Scottish Government plans to deliver on its ambitions.
While support for community growing initiatives helps to build food culture particularly in urban areas, these must be integrated with broader land use and agricultural policy to avoid displacing productive farmland.
We had hoped the Plan would drive reform in public procurement, enabling schools, hospitals and other public bodies to prioritise local produce. Instead, it has fallen short of providing a strong mandate or clear guidance. We have recently seen examples whereby it appears to be an increasing shift away from supporting small, local suppliers in the pursuit of lowest cost.
What’s next?
Every local authority and health board will consider how to start developing their own Local Plans, and this is where farmer and crofter engagement is key. These Plans need to reflect the realities of agriculture in each area. When consultations open, please get involved to share your experiences, your challenges and your ideas. This is our chance to shape your Local Plan.
We have been and continue to actively engage with Government, officials, stakeholders and Scottish Food Commission to ensure the Plan delivers for agriculture. We’ll continue to lobby for:
- Ambitious yet realistic indicators.
- Stronger procurement reform.
- A food system that is resilient, fair and sustainable.
Notes to editors