Food and drink suppliers in Scotland have been told they must accelerate action to cut emissions and strengthen resilience amid increasing climate volatility and cost pressures.
It comes as a joint plan with the Scottish government to tackle issues such as soaring fuel costs and the need for more sustainable production was unveiled last night.
The Climate Transition Plan brings together businesses across farming, processing and food manufacturing with a set of priority actions to meet the Scottish government’s legally binding target of reaching net zero by 2045.
Developed by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Programme, the plan comes five years after businesses signed a commitment to help the government reach net zero.
The plan includes tackling farming – including action to scale regenerative agriculture and reduce carbon – investment in green energy and measures to increase supply chain circularity.
Iain Clunie, net zero programme director at Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, told MSPs and industry representatives at the launch of the plan in Edinburgh that it was a pivotal moment which would see talk on actions to tackle sustainability turning into action.
“This programme is showcasing what collaboration really looks like,” he said.
“Five years ago businesses signed an agreement that they would help the Scottish government deliver on its net zero promises. A huge amount had happened since then.
“This plan brings that work together and marks a step change in the industry’s commitment to tackle climate change.”
Whilst the plan calls on food businesses to act on priorities such as moving to more sustainable feeds, being more transparent on supply chain emissions and investing in the workforce, it also sets out priority actions for government.
They include investment in electricity, public/private finance initiatives and targeted support for farms and processors.
“No one sector or one institution can tackle those problems alone,” Gillian Martin, cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs told The Grocer.
“The health of our environment and the food security of our nation and the quality of the food we produce needs us all to work together.
“The food industry and the agricultural industry are absolutely key to delivering on that.”
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