Harvesting Opportunities in Food and Drink

Land-based businesses are being asked to enhance the reputation of Scotland as a country of amazing food and drink.

A demonstration day organised later this month by Scottish Land & Estates will encourage interested businesses to make the most of Scotland’s natural culinary offerings, with a focus on the wealth of local produce in the Cairngorms National Park.

Among Scotland’s most distinctive assets, food and drink continues to play a strong role in shaping our culture.

The industry, worth £10 billion to the Scottish economy, contributes £59 million gross to the local economy in the Cairngorms National Park, creating endless knock-on economic benefits.

The demonstration day is sponsored by the SAOS Cultivating Collaboration (C2) Project, a three-year initiative set up to stimulate, encourage and support greater collaboration within Scottish food and drink supply chains to improve profitability, market responsiveness, efficiency and sustainability.

Anyone with an interest in adding an element of local food and drink know-how to their business is invited to attend at The Crown Estates, Glenlivet Estate Office, Main Street, Tomintoul on Wednesday, 23 September from 9.30am.

In the morning, delegates will hear from specialists including James Withers, the new chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink; Claire Bruce of Glen Tanar, who will discuss food tourism on the Estate; Chris Bremner of the Caingorms National Park Authority talking on Cairngorms Food for Life Development Plan; and Jacob Baak of Great Glen Game, who provides top-quality wild venison and will discuss his business and future plans.

The afternoon programme will feature Liz Ramsay, an organic land farmer, will look at the revived Savour the Flavours, the organisation which supports Dumfries & Galloway’s food and drink industry.

James Withers commented: "Scotland is blessed with a fantastic larder of some of the best natural produce in the world.

"Our vision is to make Scotland internationally known as 'A Land of Food and Drink' and grow our industry from £10 billion to £12.5 billion by 2017.

"It's an ambitious goal but one that can be achieved if the industry works together, pools resources and knowledge and uses the Scotland Food & Drink brand to its best possible advantage.

"This demonstration day for rural businesses and owners is just one of the events which will help us achieve this goal and we hope that anyone with an interest will come along and discuss future strategies and ideas."

Pat Somerville, project officer for Scottish Land & Estates, commented: "The event follows on from Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (3-18 September). It is a great opportunity for interested farmers to gain advice on entering this sector and for sharing best practice methods across the board.

"People these days are looking for quality, locally-sourced and fresh food and drink and there is plenty of room to encourage enterprise and develop stronger local networks in the Highlands."

Lunch will be provided at the event with the option for attendees to tour Glenlivet Distillery.

For more details on the event and other demonstration days please email Joyce Karch or telephone 0131 653 5400.

The event is free with a small charge towards towards catering costs, which includes refreshments and lunch. Exhibition stand space is available, with discounts for Scottish Land & Estates members.

Programme for the day and how to book. 

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