Hansard

Let me seek to be helpful by re-emphasising the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing legislation to underpin Scotland’s status as a good food nation. I am pleased to reaffirm today our clear commitment to introduce legislation in the current session of Parliament.

This week, we published a programme of measures setting out our progress all across Government. A considerable volume of good work is being carried out or is planned, showing that we are well on course to meet the objective of Scotland becoming a good food nation. I am grateful to the Conservatives for welcoming in their amendment that good solid contribution.

I will write to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee to seek its views on the programme and on the good food nation concept generally, because I wish to obtain parliamentary input. After all, there is no instruction manual for or agreed definition of what makes a country a good food nation. The concept and the reality are relatively new. It is therefore right and, I believe, necessary that we take time to deliberate on how to achieve our aims.

In the spirit of seeking to maintain a broadly consensual approach across all the political parties, I am pleased to say that we shall agree to the Labour, Lib Dem and Green amendments. I regret, however, that we cannot extend our support to the Conservative amendment because it would delete the part of our motion that points out that a hard Brexit or a no-deal Brexit would put at risk the success of Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Some of the points in the Labour and Green amendments provide helpful guidance on where to point the consultation on legislative proposals. It is crucial that we still consult the public and key stakeholders in order to further the shape and content of a good food nation.

It is fitting that the debate is taking place during Scotland’s food and drink fortnight. This important annual event supports and promotes Scottish produce and the people who grow, make, cook and sell it. Once again, the event has provided a wonderful opportunity for the food and drink industry to showcase its achievements.

This year, the food and drink fortnight is aligned to the year of young people, and is themed around the future of the industry. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that young people have the skills and support to allow them to play a full part in the success of the industry. I was delighted to meet some of Scottish food and drink’s new young ambassadors at the launch of the fortnight. Those inspiring young people give me great confidence for the future.

The food and drink industry is vital to Scotland—it creates jobs and wealth, it impacts positively on health and sustainability, and it helps to attract visitors by promoting our food and drink around the world. I pay tribute to our farmers, crofters, fishermen, brewers and distillers who produce our high-quality food and drink.

The industry is now worth about £14,000 million annually, with turnover up 35 per cent since 2007. Exports reached a record £6,000 million last year, which was up 70 per cent from 2007. That success shows no sign of slowing down. First, the rate of growth of turnover in food manufacturing in Scotland is double the rate of growth in England. Secondly, the birth rate of new businesses in the food and drink sector is higher here than it is anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Thirdly, whisky, which is one of our most famous and most enjoyed exports, continues to be a global phenomenon. We ship from our many distilleries 39 bottles per second every day to 182 global markets. I am indebted to the person who computed that particular interesting statistic. Those are hugely impressive statistics, Presiding Officer, as I am sure you will agree.

At the heart of that success has been our reputation. Our brand, which is founded on provenance and heritage, is increasingly recognised at home and in premium markets. None of its success could be achieved without the passion, dedication and entrepreneurship of the many people working across the industry, whose skills and commitment I value. Those qualities will be required in abundance as we face the considerable challenges that will be presented by the UK’s likely exit from the European Union.

The Scottish Government has always supported the closest possible relationship with the EU—a relationship that avoids tariffs and other trade barriers for our food and drink products. As is made clear in our motion, part of which the Conservative amendment would delete, a no-deal Brexit would be deeply damaging and disruptive for the food and drink sector, and would affect our protected geographical indications. It is inconceivable that our brands, including Stornoway black pudding, Arbroath smokies and Scotch whisky, not be properly protected. It is vital that we secure a sensible outcome, and I will continue to express our concerns to UK ministers.