Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, yesterday questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, on what support is available to assist smaller food and drink producers who wish to begin exporting their products.
Jamie raised the issue at Question Time in the Scottish Parliament.
The Cabinet Secretary said in reply that many small-scale producers did wish to become exporters and that he was working with Scottish Development International and other organisations to ensure that relevant support is available.
Commenting today, Jamie said:
“Scotland has some world-class food and drink exporters which currently contribute hugely to our economy by exporting across the planet; these include our many distilleries and companies such as Walkers Shortbread in my region of the Highlands & Islands.
“I believe food and drink exports can be a real growth area for Scotland going forward, and I am keen that government and its agencies ensure practical support and advice is available for some of our fantastic smaller food and drink producers who wish to begin exporting for the first time to expand their business”.