More Scots turning to local food

The figure for those living in the Highlands and Islands is as high as 75 per cent. Lochhead also paid tribute to the food and drink industry for achieving a series of impressive milestones in 2009, including: The Publication of Scotland's first National Food and Drink Policy; an eight per cent increase in exports 2009; 21 per cent increase in sales of Scottish brands in British supermarkets; and a new Retailers' Charter involving major supermarkets committed to stocking more Scottish produce. 

The new Scottish Opinion survey of over 1000 people showed that 60 per cent will be buying or using more local food this Christmas.

Mr Lochhead said it was fantastic that so many Scots are recognising the value and importance of eating local, seasonal produce.

“There is a growing appetite for Scottish produce at home and abroad - the number of shoppers buying locally produced food has almost doubled in just three years,” he added.