Small grants announced for Scottish producers

The Scottish Government has announced that small grants of around £5,000 are available to Scottish food producers as part of a £250,000 funding to promote regional produce.

The funding will go to local producers and regional food & drink networks that traditionally find funding difficult to attract.

Speaking at the Scotland Food & Drink Annual Conference, Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said the funding is one of its key Programme for Government commitments to promote locally sourced, and locally produced food.

“The success of those producers then helps to bolster regional economies,” he said, “and ensures that local food and drink continues to be produced in the area it originates from – which can be integral to a product’s identity.”

He added that last year was a record for Scottish exports with more than £6 billion of Scottish food & drink consumed worldwide.

“Given the continuing lack of clarification from the UK Government regarding our position with those international trading partners, post-Brexit, it’s more important than ever that we ensure a robust market at home for our regional food and drink producers.”

The fund will open for applications in May and be overseen by Scotland Food & Drink.