Plans to increase the use of Scottish produce in schools, hospitals and other public sector organisations have been unveiled by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.
A total of £1.2m has been confirmed to expand the current Food for Life programme and a further £100,000 will deliver a new Supplier Development Programme.
This will, help small and medium sized food and drink businesses compete for public sector food contracts.
Mr Ewing said: “These new measures will put local sourcing at the heart of many public sector supply chains, meaning that more people around Scotland will be able to enjoy our locally-produced, fresh food.
“We are committing more than £1m over the next three years so more young people in our schools have the benefit of fresh, healthy and locally sourced food.
“We are supporting small and medium-sized businesses to access valuable public sectors contracts which otherwise would remain out of reach.
“There is now a real opportunity to build on the good work that has already been done in this area to unlock the potential public sector food and drink market which is worth £150m in Scotland annually.”
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