Orkney produces a range of quality food and drink. Food Security, or the lack of it, was made visible with empty supermarket shelves during the Covid lockdown. The importance of supporting local affordable products is central to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its plans for a ‘Good Food Nation’.

As part of this consultation, which closes on Monday 22nd April, a workshop is being held in Orkney – on the 21st March at the Kirkwall & St Ola Community Centre from 10 to 12.30 . It is hoped that a wide range of people will attend the workshop. You can book a place by clicking this link and it is free to attend: Good Food Nation Orkney Workshop

For some financial assistance to support with childcare or travel requirements and f you have any questions, or foresee any difficulty attending this workshop, please get in touch directly: abigail@nourishscotland.org.uk.

There are also online events:

• 6.00pm to 8.00pm on 8 April
• 3.00pm to 5.00pm on 18 April

Chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor David Dawson, said:

“The value of food security into the future cannot be underestimated. Simply put, we all need food to survive. 

“Orkney is world renowned for its quality local produce, available right here on our doorstep – from the farm ‘next door’ and the seas around our coastline. Given the importance of sustainable food supplies, it’s imperative that producers in the county – from farmers to fishermen and those who stock and sell the produce – are among those who have a say at this early consultative stage in the production of Scotland’s first national food plan. 

“I would encourage as many folk as possible along to the workshop to ensure a collective Orkney voice is heard on the proposals being put forward.”  

The Plan covers everything from farm to fork and beyond, and draws together a range of different policies. It will also require key public bodies, particularly local authorities and health boards, to set out their plans.

Click on this link for more information about the Plan and to take part in the consultation: National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation

The Good Food Nation Outcomes

• Outcome 1: Everyone in Scotland eats well with reliable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, sustainable, and age and culturally appropriate food.
• Outcome 2: Scotland’s food system is sustainable and contributes to a flourishing natural environment. It supports our net zero ambitions, and plays an important role in maintaining and improving animal welfare and in restoring and regenerating biodiversity.
• Outcome 3: Scotland’s food system encourages a physically and mentally healthy population, leading to a reduction in diet-related conditions.
• Outcome 4: Our food and drink sector is prosperous, diverse, innovative, and vital to national and local economic and social wellbeing. It is key to making Scotland food secure and food resilient, and creates and sustains jobs and businesses underpinned by fair work standards.
• Outcome 5: Scotland has a thriving food culture with a population who are interested in and educated about good and sustainable food.
• Outcome 6: Scotland has a global reputation for high-quality food that we want to continue to grow. Decisions we make in Scotland contribute positively to local and global food systems transformation. We share and learn from best practice internationally.

Rural Affairs Secretary in the Scottish Government Mairi Gougeon said: 

“In Scotland, we have an incredibly successful food and drink industry, with our products enjoyed by people across the globe. We want to make sure that everyone in Scotland can access affordable, sustainable food that is both high quality and environmentally friendly.

“Our consultation gives the public the chance to make their voices heard on many aspects of Scotland’s food culture. These views will be crucial in developing our future approach to improve Scotland’s food system.”

Click on this link to access the National Good Food Nation Plan

Fiona Grahame