Union pushes for more Scottish food in public sector

Scotland is failing to use the full power of public sector food spending to support its own farmers, crofters and growers, according to NFU Scotland (NFUS).

The union is calling on ministers to overhaul procurement rules to prioritise home-grown produce in schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

In a newly published paper, Putting Scottish Food First, the union warns that despite years of reform, public procurement policy has not delivered meaningful benefits for local producers.

See also: Supermarkets alerted to £500m potential of Scottish produce

The NFUS report (opens as PDF) argues that Scotland is missing a critical opportunity to strengthen rural economies, improve diets and embed Scottish food at the heart of the nation’s public services.

The paper highlights inconsistencies in procurement decisions, including the loss of long-standing local supplier contracts and moves to increase meat-free days, which the union says risk undermining local supply chains and contradicts the aims of the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act.

NFUS is calling for urgent reforms to include:

• Adopting a “Scottish First” policy for public sector food
• A review of the criteria for awarding contracts to value quality and provenance
• Increasing catering budgets in line with inflation
• Mandating annual reporting on food origin
• Reviewing school meal regulations.

The union is calling for the creation of a public sector food forum to identify opportunities, challenges and necessary changes to food procurement decisions.

It is also seeking more support for the Soil Association Food for Life Programme, which offers support for public sector catering to promote healthy, locally sourced meals.

The intervention comes as the Scottish government published its first National Good Food Nation Plan (opens as PDF), released in draft form earlier this year.

While the plan sets out an ambitious vision for healthier and more sustainable food, NFU Scotland says it fails to address a key lever for change – ensuring public institutions prioritise fresh, locally produced Scottish food.

Meaningful reform needed – Connon

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said: “Public procurement should be a driver of better diets, stronger local economies and a more resilient farming and crofting sector.

“Right now, it isn’t. Scotland has the talent, the produce and the ambition – but without meaningful procurement reform, the Good Food Nation vision cannot be delivered.”

Mr Connon added: “Scotland’s farmers, crofters and growers stand ready to supply the nation with fresh, healthy, sustainable food.

“What we need now is clear political leadership and a procurement system that values Scottish produce, not just the cheapest option.

“Delivering a Good Food Nation must start with the food we serve in our own public institutions.”