Food matters go under spotlight

Hospital meals will be subject to the policy

Scotland is to have its own "food policy" dealing with a range of issues from consumption to manufacturing, the government has promised.

Rural affairs and Environment Minister Richard Lochhead wants every aspect of food to be included in the plan.

He hopes the strategy will lead to a boost in food tourism and exports.

Meals served in the canteens of schools and hospitals will also be put under the microscope in order to improve the nation's health.

The policy, to be finalised later this year, will join up work across the Scottish Government.

Supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest Richard Lochhead Scottish Government minister

Mr Lochhead will kick off a "national discussion" involving producers, retailers and consumers when he visits a school breakfast club on Tuesday.

He said: "We want the freshest, finest future for Scottish food. "We need to tap into the potential of Scotland's world-famous produce to secure a healthier, wealthier, greener Scotland.

"Supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest."

The minister is expected to outline the proposals to industry chiefs in a speech to the Scottish Food and Drink Federation on Wednesday.

Mr Lochhead added: "Food is about so much more than what we eat. It is about jobs, businesses, the environment, tourism and the health of our nation.

"The time is right to start this debate and I hope as many people as possible will have their say about the future of Scottish food."