Stevenson Supports 'Eating for Scotland' Campaign

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today applauded the "Eating for Scotland" campaign being carried out by the STV programme "The Five Thirty Show".
As part of the television show’s campaign, the show’s presenter has pledged to only eating food produced in Scotland from Burns Day until St Andrews Day. This week First Minister Alex Salmond will join the presenter by also beginning a week-long commitment to only 'eat Scottish' food in support of what is a fantastic campaign for the Scottish agricultural industry.

Speaking today Mr. Stevenson said:

"I applaud the work being carried out by STV in giving due recognition to the Scottish Farming Industry. The high standing of Scottish produce is renowned on the continent for the quality of the farming and cattle rearing techniques employed here.

"This privileged culinary environment we find ourselves in is often overlooked by ordinary Scots and is not helped by the role of large supermarket chains in buying cheaper less quality products from abroad. There is however a wind of change as Scottish consumers realise the quality on our doorsteps and begin to think about the impact of ‘food miles’ on the environment.

"We in Banff and Buchan are well aware of the high quality and value of the local food industry to our region, from the primary production level of fishing and farming, to the food- processing sector, right through to the catering and service industry.

"While we in the North East still have a close connection with the local farming industry, the promotion of Scottish Produce in the media throughout Scotland will act as a much needed reminder of the wealth of high quality goods available.

"The SNP Government is keen to encourage more support for our own produce and increased national media attention is an important means of making the rest of Scotland aware of what the Banff and Buchan farming industry has to offer."