Putting Scottish Food First
Public procurement plays a critical role in shaping Scotland’s food system, influencing what is served in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. Public procurement represents an important market for the food and drink sector, with significant value spent of public sector catering each year.
Despite the publication of the National Plan as part of Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022, which is ambitious in scope, it falls short of addressing a key opportunity: embedding Scottish produce at the heart of public sector food procurement.
If this opportunity is harnessed to prioritise Scottish produce, it would create fair access for farmers and crofters, improve the quality of the food served in public places while also strengthen our rural communities and food culture.
We believe that public procurement must continue to evolve to ensure positive change. Scottish Government can show leadership by supporting local producers, improving diets, and delivering on the principles of a Good Food Nation. This paper considers the current challenges and sets out practical asks to ensure procurement policy works for Scotland’s farmers and the wider public interest.
NFU Scotland Demands Action to Boost Local Food in Schools and Hospitals
Co-hosting a Roundtable with Public Sector Catering Alliance, NFUS Calls for 'Scottish First' Approach to Public Procurement to Drive Reform
Why Scotland’s Good Food Nation Plan ‘lacks the urgency and clarity needed to deliver meaningful change’