Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 18 March 2025
18 Mar 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Food and Drink Sector
In Scotland, we are blessed with world-recognised high-quality food and drink, from Scottish whisky to Scottish salmon, to Orkney Gold, to—of course—Stornoway black pudding. I could cite many more examples from the Highlands and Islands alone. The debate gives members the opportunity to list the wonderful produce from their constituencies and regions.
However, this year, there are more serious matters to debate. The talk of trade wars and tariffs creates uncertainty for our food and drink industry. We need to build trade agreements that allow our produce to be sold around the world, but agreements must never be to the detriment of our standards.
It is not just about maintaining standards—the quality and quantity of Scottish produce is something to celebrate, and the renowned status of our food and drink must be harnessed and promoted internationally. However, the SNP, despite claiming to represent Scotland, has not done a good job of exporting Scotland’s produce to the world.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-16839, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on protecting and growing Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector. M...
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (Mairi Gougeon)
SNP
It is vital that, as a Parliament, we take the time to discuss our iconic food and drink and how we can help to protect and grow the sector in an ever-changi...
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Con
I thank the cabinet secretary for taking an intervention, and I wish her well for the future. On the point about being competitive in the European and global...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I thank the member for her first point, but I assure her that I am not going anywhere yet. On her second point, we want to have a wide-ranging conversation a...
Sandesh Gulhane (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
Given that the ambition is for everyone to be able to have good food, when is that going to come into the national health service?
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
The work of health is, of course, integral to the work on the good food nation, and that is really what the plan is about. It is about us publishing that pla...
Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con)
Con
Given what we heard from farming stakeholders and members of the agriculture reform implementation oversight board in last week’s Rural Affairs and Islands C...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
We are intent on working with our farmers and crofters on developing future policy. I understand that some people would like us to go further and faster, but...
Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab)
Lab
Will the cabinet secretary acknowledge that, in the House of Commons—just the week before last, I think—Darren Jones said: “I can confirm that we will not b...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
Although those verbal assurances were offered in the UK Parliament that day, the consultation on the English whisky GI is still very much open. We have recei...
Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
The issue of the Scotch whisky definition being changed as a result of the proposal for a definition of English whisky concerns me as well. Will the cabinet ...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
Absolutely. As I highlighted in my previous response to Daniel Johnson, it is still very much a live issue. It has certainly not been resolved; that is certa...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Tim Eagle to speak to and move amendment S6M-16839.2. 14:47
Tim Eagle (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests, as a small farmer. Writing a speech on Scotland’s food and drink is no easy task, for Sc...
Finlay Carson
Con
New Zealand is making significant strides in updating its gene editing technology, along with Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands, which are actively su...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
I do not believe one way or t’other, Mr Carson, and I ask you to always speak through the chair. Tim Eagle—I can give you the time back.
Tim Eagle
Con
I always like to show that the Scottish Government is dragging its feet—and certainly, on things such as agricultural policy, it has been. I agree that, if w...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I call Rhoda Grant to speak to and move amendment S6M-16839.1. 14:58
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
In Scotland, we are blessed with world-recognised high-quality food and drink, from Scottish whisky to Scottish salmon, to Orkney Gold, to—of course—Stornowa...
Rachael Hamilton
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
Rhoda Grant
Lab
That is why Scottish Labour’s brand Scotland campaign is so important—it will drive and boost investment and exports. Brand Scotland utilises UK Government i...
Tim Eagle
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
Rhoda Grant
Lab
I was going to accept the intervention from Rachael Hamilton.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I call Rachael Hamilton. Be brief, please.
Rachael Hamilton
Con
There is concern about the rise in employer national insurance contributions. You talk so highly of our produce, but the British Growers Association has said...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I remind members that all comments should be made through the chair, please.
Rhoda Grant
Lab
Interruption. My colleague behind me suggests that we should hear a bit of humility from Rachael Hamilton about clearing up the mess that was left by the pre...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I take issue with some of Rhoda Grant’s points in relation to the brand Scotland initiative. I outlined in my speech the investment—which I hope that Rhoda G...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I advise members that there is no time in hand, so interventions should therefore be brief. I can give you that time back, though, Ms Grant.
Rhoda Grant
Lab
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. That is it—there is another plan, but we need action. The Scottish Government motion talks about protection of English...