Chamber
Plenary, 08 Mar 2007
08 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Scottish Produce (Processing and Marketing)
General Questions
I do not know whether the member recalls this—I know Stewart Stevenson will—but, curiously enough, a year or two ago, there were proposals in the white fish sector to ship a container-load of white fish to the far east, where incredibly low prices were being charged for filleting, and to bring it back to Scotland. However, that produce was being sold to the retail market, and retailers would not accept any claims about its traceability. Although I do not want to speculate about where Young's produce might be sold, traceability will certainly be a key issue.
As for checking the seafood in question, we would be very concerned if someone tried to promote a product whose traceability could not be assured. Moreover, I find it instructive that one or two of our major retailers—who are, for once, to be commended—have recently announced their intention to increase their local sourcing and improve labelling to ensure that we are more aware of a product's source and any food miles that might be involved.
As for checking the seafood in question, we would be very concerned if someone tried to promote a product whose traceability could not be assured. Moreover, I find it instructive that one or two of our major retailers—who are, for once, to be commended—have recently announced their intention to increase their local sourcing and improve labelling to ensure that we are more aware of a product's source and any food miles that might be involved.
In the same item of business
3. Nora Radcliffe (Gordon) (LD):
LD
To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the processing and marketing of Scottish produce. (S2O-12309)
The Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Ross Finnie):
LD
Since 2001, the Scottish Executive has awarded in excess of £60 million to Scottish food processing projects and it is presently developing new arrangements ...
Nora Radcliffe:
LD
Does the minister agree that it is important to support and promote Scotland's food and drink producers, particularly primary producers, during the next few ...
Ross Finnie:
LD
I greatly welcome the industry's recognition of the importance not only of promoting itself but of improving the links between primary producers and final co...
Alasdair Morgan (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
The minister is aware of concerns about the seafood from Young's of Annan being exported to Thailand for processing and then re-imported. Will the minister's...
Ross Finnie:
LD
I do not know whether the member recalls this—I know Stewart Stevenson will—but, curiously enough, a year or two ago, there were proposals in the white fish ...