Scotland - a Good Food Nation

A group of leading organisations representing Scottish food producers and processors have recently launched a joint industry vision on what the Scottish Government’s upcoming Good Food Nation Bill must deliver.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, head of policy and external affairs at Scottish Retail Consortium, tells me: “Whilst retailers won’t necessarily agree with everything, there is much which we can support, and we absolutely want to work collaboratively with NFU Scotland and others from across the Scottish food and drink industry to develop an approach which translates the vision of a Good Food Nation into a practical reality.”

Encompassing the three broad themes of Educate, Sustain, Promote, the document sets out various measures which the Scottish agriculture and processing industries wish to see within any future food legislation - covering a range of policy areas such as education, health, agricultural regulation and public procurement.

The document - prepared by NFU Scotland - has been signed by the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers; Dairy UK; Scottish Beef Association; National Sheep Association Scotland; British Egg Industry Council; Scottish Pig Producers and Scottish Quality Crops.

A statement on behalf of the group said: “Food and drink impacts all of society and it is the jewel in Scotland’s economic crown. The value of food and drink has grown to £14.4 billion per annum, now surpassing every other sector - with new targets to more than double in size by 2030.

“The Scottish Government’s proposed Good Food Nation Bill will be introduced during a period of great uncertainty for the whole food and drink industry. The negotiations to leave the EU will undoubtedly have consequences for all parts of the chain - whether that be the government support received by Scotland’s primary food and drink producers; changes to immigration rules impacting on employment practices in the food processing sector or how the end product is then traded with international partners.

“The immediate challenge is therefore ensuring the Brexit outcome allows this important sector to continue to flourish.

“If that is achieved, then Scottish legislation to enshrine the Good Food Nation should enhance the whole supply chain to deliver on its ambitions for 2030, as well as delivering on public health benefits and sustainability goals.

“We collectively look forward to working with Scottish policy-makers to develop the suggestions in our industry vision document to ensure we make the most of this opportunity.”

Mindful of the forgoing I pose the question: Isn’t our own Welsh Government missing out on something here?

Retailers have known for years how much Welsh farmers know about great food. It’s therefore welcome to see this serious contribution by NFU Scotland to the debate in making Scotland a Good Food Nation and, whilst retailers won’t necessarily agree with everything, there is much which we in Wales can and must support, and we absolutely want to work collaboratively with others from across the food and drink industry to develop an approach which also translates the vision of a Good Welsh Food Nation into a practical reality.

Farmers problems

Samaritan volunteers are concerned that farmers in mid-Wales are being put under extreme pressure because of slumps in agriculture.

Whilst desperately worried that farmers may have no one to turn to the Samaritans want to recruit more Welsh- speaking volunteers to offer a better service in rural communities -out of 88 volunteers working from Aberystwyth only 16 are able to speak Welsh. (a report published in 1982).

Words of advice

Should any young farm girls be still pondering over the events of Valentine’s Day the following words of advice might be appropriate:

Marry the guy who will play with your hair, won’t mind holding your cold hands and will go on long walks with you.

Is serious but always knows how to have fun, makes you laugh and will join in your random bursts of song.

Watches the chickens and ducks just to spend time with you and let’s his inner child out sometimes.

Isn’t afraid to be himself, will stand up for what he believes in and will stand up for you and protect you -make you feel like a princess.

Someone you can be completely yourself around, you can talk to about anything and will pray with you and for you, loves you but loves God more but, most importantly, marry the guy who is obviously your best friend.

Well lived

Reading through the columns of the Observer these days, it is not unusual to read of good people achieving the marvellous age of over 100 years.

Not so long ago we read of the sad death of a Swansea lady - the world’s oldest - who had passed away at the age of 114 years and had her original birth certificate to prove it.

She was succeeded by a Norwegian woman who was 111, but Swansea even then had an ex-miner aged 110.

Short memories

Alarm signals have been flashing due to our county council feeling obliged to raise the annual council tax by an ‘unprecedented’ 12.5 per cent.

My cheque book stubs show that I paid an increase of 15 per cent less than 30 years ago!

A little knowledge

During a lull at a White House dinner, Melania Trump leaned over to chat with Secretary of State, Tillerson.

“I bought Donald a parrot for his birthday. That bird is so smart, Donald has already taught him to say over 200 words.”

“Very impressive,” says Tillerson, “but, you do realise he just speaks the words. He doesn’t really understand what they all mean.”

“Oh, I know,” replied Melania, “but neither does the parrot.”