The Scottish Parliament has passed the Good Food Nation Bill after it went through the final stage (stage three) of debate yesterday (Wednesday, June 15).
The bill enshrines the Scottish government’s commitment to Scotland being a Good Food Nation, where people from every walk of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day.
It will create links between policy on national and local levels, with government, local authorities and health boards all creating good food national plans. Those plans will set out clear outcomes, indicators and policies across a range of areas relating to food including the environment, health and the economy.
In determining the content of a good food Nation plan, among other things, the relevant authority must have regard to the likes of the environment and animal welfare.
A Food Commission will be established for scrutinising and making recommendations in relation to the good food nation plans and progress reports; conducting research; and providing advice to Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities in carrying out their duties under the bill.
“The Good Food Nation Bill reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Scotland has access to healthy, nutritious fare and that businesses and public kitchens commit to producing, selling and serving good food,” said Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.
“Organisations can play a leading role in this process – looking at how they boost local procurement, cut down food waste and packaging and use in-season produce as well disposing of food waste in an environmentally friendly way.
“The passing of this bill lays down the foundation, and gives us a firm start, to achieving our goal of being a Good Food Nation.”
David Thomson, CEO of Food and Drink Federation Scotland welcomed the bill, and said it will be a “key element” in ensuring Scotland’s food and drink producers are supported in their journey to a sustainable, resilient and profitable future.
The bill has also been welcomed with regard to laying a foundation for Scotland’s food system for future generations by director of Nourish Scotland, and member of the Scottish Food Coalition, Pete Ritchie.
Food education, it is hoped, will equip school pupils with skills to cook nice-tasting nutritious meals using Scottish produce and to make informed choices when they are away from home.
Reiterating this message, national chef for Scotland Gary Maclean said: “The Good Food Nation Bill is a welcome intervention in highlighting the importance of good food especially to our younger generation.”
