Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Mr Stevenson used the opportunity to meet with farmers, NFU officials and exhibitors. Among those he met with were supermarket giant Tesco, who have stores in Banff, Fraserburgh and across the North-east. The MSP took the opportunity to restate his desire to see fair prices paid to farmers and producers and for more locally-sourced produce to be available in supermarkets.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Stevenson commented:
“The farming industry is not without its concerns and challenges, such as the national beef envelope to give but one example, but I detected a more optimistic industry than has been the case for some time now.
“I took the opportunity to meet with officials from the Tesco supermarket chain while I was there. It is my wish to see much more products in our supermarkets sourced from local suppliers and producers and I will be meeting with Tesco shortly in that regard.
“Such a policy keeps more money in the local economy and accrues more benefit to local producers. It also cuts down on ‘food miles’ and the pointless burning of fuel to transport items from miles away which are available locally.
“I have previously raised this matter in Parliament when NHS, Prison Service and other Government procurement was being discussed. The private sector must not be allowed to escape the same level of attention. While I recognise that many supermarkets already carry selected local products, the situation could be far, far better and I want to see the hard-earned cash of local people benefiting local business.”
“I took the opportunity to meet with officials from the Tesco supermarket chain while I was there. It is my wish to see much more products in our supermarkets sourced from local suppliers and producers and I will be meeting with Tesco shortly in that regard.
“Such a policy keeps more money in the local economy and accrues more benefit to local producers. It also cuts down on ‘food miles’ and the pointless burning of fuel to transport items from miles away which are available locally.
“I have previously raised this matter in Parliament when NHS, Prison Service and other Government procurement was being discussed. The private sector must not be allowed to escape the same level of attention. While I recognise that many supermarkets already carry selected local products, the situation could be far, far better and I want to see the hard-earned cash of local people benefiting local business.”
