The important contribution of organics to local food economies and the environment are acknowledged in a new Organic Action Plan for Scotland unveiled today by the Scottish Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead.
‘Organic Futures’ is a joint Scottish Government and Scottish organic industry initiative aimed at developing organic food and drink in Scotland.
Commenting on the new Plan, Lochead said: “Food and drink is a key strength to Scotland and organics are an important part of that key strength. This action plan for Scotland comes at an exciting time for Scottish Food as producers pull together to meet market demand for fresh, seasonal and local foods. I am pleased that organic certification is part of this mix, particularly given the exemplary role that the organic food and drink supply chain plays in enhancing our natural assets such as landscape, biodiversity, water and soils.”
“I am delighted that the organic sector is already playing a key role in our efforts to tackle climate change in agriculture, particularly in the Farming for a Better Climate initiative and the Soil Association’s Climate Change Programme.
Publication of the new plan has been welcomed by Soil Association Scotland. Its strategic advisor, Hugh Raven, said: “The Scottish Government should be congratulated for producing this excellent statement of support for organic food and farming. It’s now leading the way among governments in the British Isles — in contrast to the missed opportunities of the last few years, when producers have been abandoning organic production for lack of government support.”
