The investment, confirmed by rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, will be used by Scotland Food & Drink for a number of projects, including:
By 2017, the industry (including food and drink processing, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture) aims to be generating £12.5bn turnover. Under the leadership of Scotland Food & Drink, the sector has signed up to a joint strategy for growth for the first time.
“Scotland’s thriving food and drink sector is one of our key economic strengths and genuine success stories,” said Richard Lochhead. “There is clearly a feel-good factor sweeping through the majority of the industry despite a challenging economic climate. This momentum will be further boosted by plans for a year-long celebration of our iconic produce.
“Setting an ambitious target to generate £12.5bn of turnover by 2017 is another vote of confidence in the sector. Consumer interest in our home-grown produce has arguably never been greater, and sales of Scottish brands have soared.
“Delivering the next wave of success can only be met through a joint response from all those growing, making, buying and selling Scottish food and drink at home and abroad. The prize is a great one: a healthier, wealthier, more environmentally sustainable Scotland.”
Source: Scottish Food & Drink
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