Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill
In his latest blog, our Policy Advisor (Agriculture & Climate Change), Paul Richardson, looks at the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill, and what this looks like for Scotland.
First introduced to the Scottish Parliament in October last year, the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill has passed its final stage following the stage three debate and vote on the 15th of June 2022, with unanimous support from MSPs.
The Bill requires the Scottish Government and relevant authorities – such as health boards and local authorities – to consult on and create good food nation plans. The plans must set out:
- the main outcomes in relation to food-related issues which they want to be achieved
- indicators by which progress in achieving the outcomes may be assessed, and
- the policies they intend to pursue in order to achieve the outcomes.
In producing the plans, consideration must be given to issues including social and economic wellbeing, the environment – particularly climate change, wildlife and the natural environment – health and physical and mental wellbeing, economic development, animal welfare, education, and child poverty.
A Scottish Food Commission will also be established to review progress in achieving the outcomes in the good food nation plans, their effectiveness in addressing food-related issues, and promoting and supporting progress.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The Good Food Nation Bill reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Scotland has access to healthy, nutritious fare and that businesses and public kitchens commit to producing, selling and serving good food.
“Organisations can play a leading role in this process – looking at how they boost local procurement, cut down food waste and packaging and use in-season produce as well disposing of food waste in an environmentally friendly way.
“In addition, food education can equip school pupils with the key skills they need to cook tasty, nutritious meals using the incredible array of world-class produce we have, and also make informed food choices when they are away from home.”
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