Forth Valley Food and Drink receives funding boost

A group that aims to grow a thriving food and drink network for Central Scotland has secured funding to champion local produce.

Forth Valley Food and Drink has been awarded cash from industry leadership body Scotland Food and Drink as part of a new national £250,000 fund.

Supported by the Scottish Government, the fund was set up to support the ongoing development of Scotland’s regional food groups.

Over the next year, Forth Valley Food and Drink aims to position the region as a leading food and drink tourism destination, extol the benefits of buying locally and improve connection and collaboration between businesses in the area.

Central Scotland’s agricultural landscape is home to food and drink producers of all shapes and sizes, and the region is a leader of a Neighbourfood movement – a new way to buy local food from farmers and food producers.

Founded earlier this year, Forth Valley Food and Drink is a network led by, and for the benefit of, members and aims to create a vibrant local food economy and showcase the best the region has to offer.

Members also aim to deliver projects which increase consumption and supply of local produce by hosting events, making digital improvements and, crucially, developing food and drink tourism.

Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Regional food groups like Forth Valley Food and Drink have a pivotal role to play in the successful growth and development of our country’s food, drink and food tourism sectors, especially in the recovery from Covid-19.”

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