Food from Fife Funding Approval

Fife Food Network’s plans to put the region in the national spotlight have been given a major boost thanks to funding awards worth over £180,000.

The not-for-profit group said that the funding, from Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER in Fife Programme 2007-2013, will lead to a raft of initiatives aimed at promoting the best of Fife food at home and further afield.

The network has already produced thousands of copies of the successful Fife Larder, and its companion Fife Larder Food Map, as part of the very first regional collaboration with the The List Guides Scotland.

Last year it played a part in Fife Council’s Celebrating Fife programme, organising taster sessions and cookery demonstrations at farmers’ markets, while it also promoted the area’s produce at a number of events.

Set up under chairman Toby Anstruther of Balcaskie, and directors Viv Collie and Jimmy Wilson, the Fife Food Network has appointed a board of management with expertise from across the whole region.

Now it will be able to progress its plans and work towards fulfilling a number of different aims.

Toby said that these are to encourage greater working between local businesses, promote food businesses to visitors and local people, increase opportunities for developing skills and learning, and generally promote and develop the region’s food identity.

He said: "We got off to a wonderful start with the Fife Larder and Food Map, effectively creating a food trail which allows people to put together their own journey around visitor attractions, farm shops, restaurants and many local producers.

"The network was able to do this with help from Fife Council, and at the same time we were going through a lengthy application process for full funding.

"The final approvals have just been given, our website will be ready to go live soon, and now we can tell people even more about our high-quality food and drink and our producers."

For more information email Viv Collie or call her on 07977 510 435.

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