The food and drink industry in Scotland is set to receive a boost after the government unveiled a new £4m support package.
As part of the package revealed by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead £1m is to be used to fund a scheme that will enable produces to access new markets.
Last month, the same politician said that demand for Scottish products has grown in the last year.
Moreover, £20,000 will be used to ensure that Rannoch Smokery can produce innovative items.
Lochhead said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth around £7.5 billion to the Scottish economy and employs around 350,000 people. Food and drink accounted for over a quarter of Scotland’s manufacturing exports in 2007.”
He added that a Food and Drink policy in the country could help to “boost business”.
“Scotland’s food and drink is renowned throughout the world. Our products stand for quality, beautiful landscapes, clear air, pure water and good, honest husbandry,” he said.
A funding programme was recently unveiled by the Scottish government as an attempt to increase supply of local food.
