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Plans have been agreed to boost Dumfries and Galloway’s growing food and drink sector.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is investing £145,000 to develop a Regional Food Plan, delivered through the appointment of a new economic development officer.
The individual will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the plan focusses on supporting collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive growth across the sector.
The creation of a Regional Food Plan is aligned with the Good Food Nation legislation currently being approved by the Scottish Government.
The funding was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee yesterday (Tuesday 29 August).
Committee Chair, Councillor Ivor Hyslop said:
“This sector is massively important to our economy locally. The creation of a Regional Food Plan will align with national objectives around food production and sustainability to support local businesses and communities through better cross working and supply chain management.”
The area is famous for production of seafood and shellfish, salt marsh lamb, beef and dairy produce. Food and drink is Dumfries and Galloway’s largest, fastest growing and most valuable economic sector, with an annual turnover of £1.2 billion; accounting for 25 per cent of all private sector economic activity.
Spanning the full supply chain from field and sea to plate, the sector includes primary production, through to small food producers, large scale food manufacturers and processors, leading to distributors, restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions, speciality retailers and distilleries.
“This plan will be a practical step towards supporting and helping to grow one of our most important industries. Dumfries and Galloway is already one of Scotland’s most important food producing regions and it is essential that we build on our natural strengths in planning for a more successful, resilient and sustainable economy.
“It will give us a structure to unlock the region’s food and drink sector’s full potential, with all the benefits that will bring to communities and the local economy,” added Committee Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh.
The Regional Food Plan will be developed over the next two years.
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