Scottish farms to feed global agritourism conference

Scottish government support has been thrown behind an initiative to source food and drink directly from Scottish farms for this month’s Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen.

The inaugural conference, taking place from 23-25 June, will welcome delegates from more than 50 countries and showcase Scotland’s farming, food and drink sectors to an international audience.

More than 90% of the conference menu at Aberdeen’s P&J Live venue will be sourced directly from named Scottish farms and fishing businesses, with produce supplied by 20 farms from the Scottish Agritourism network.

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Delegates will be served fresh salads, vegetables, herbs, soft fruit, cheese, eggs, Scotch Beef, ice cream and home baking, while fresh fish will come from the Aberdeenshire fishing community.

Scottish drinks will also feature at evening receptions, including Scotch malt whisky, Aberdeenshire gin and Scottish beers, ciders and lemonade.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs Gillian Martin MSP said agritourism offered “real long-term potential” for Scotland by helping secure the future of family farms, supporting rural communities and strengthening Scotland’s international reputation as a leading agritourism destination.

She said the conference would also help connect consumers with where their food comes from, while encouraging support for local producers and reducing food miles.

More than 300 of the expected 600 delegates will visit 40 agritourism businesses ahead of the main conference.

The visits include Forest Farm Organic Dairy in Kinellar, Aberdeen, where delegates will see dairy cows and ice cream production, and Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, to tour strawberry, raspberry and blueberry crops.

Scottish Agritourism sector lead and conference chairman Caroline Millar farms near Dundee in Angus, producing Scotch beef, Scotch lamb and malting barley.

She and her husband Ross also run The Hideaway Experience, a five-star agritourism business established on the family farm in 2005.

‘Lasting legacy’

Ms Millar said the conference aimed to create a “lasting legacy” for direct sourcing and stronger links between farmers and major venues.

She said delegates would meet farming families, hear the stories behind the produce and then enjoy those products during conference meals.

P&J Live food and beverage manager Graham Mutch said the venue was proud to showcase Scotland’s “exceptional food and drink” to an international audience.

For further information about the Global Agritourism Conference and tickets, visit globalagritourismconference.com