I recently revealed more details of new food labelling plans that would give consumers more information about produce and help Borders farmers during a speech to the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS).
Last week I had the pleasure of delivering a keynote speech to the NFUS annual general meeting.
In my role as UK Government Minister for Scotland, I announced that a consultation would begin soon on food labelling and giving consumers more information about the source of produce.
NFUS have previously expressed support for a new labelling system.
Here is an extract of my speech to NFUS Conference: "As with so very many of you, farming is in my blood. I was raised on a farm, and my dad and brother still farm in the Borders, near Duns.
"It means I know the challenges of working the land – the early starts and late finishes; the toll the weather takes on body and spirit; the paperwork and computer work. But I know the triumphs too – the camaraderie, the pleasure of being guardians of the land for future generations; the Best in Show; the satisfaction of a job well done when a crop is gathered in, or livestock reared from its very first day is off to market at a premium price.
"It is estimated that about 61 per cent of the food consumed in Britain is produced here. But we want that figure to be even higher.
"We are backing British, and we want to make it easier for consumers to join in. We will shortly be consulting on a new labelling system that will make it easier for the buying public to choose the high-quality produce that farmers grow right here.
"Not only does our fruit, meat and veg deliver on taste and quality, but consumers can be sure what they are buying has been produced in line with the UK’s tremendous standards on animal welfare, and – increasingly – with a lower environmental impact.
"Crucially, domestic produce has to travel fewer miles from farm to fork, which makes perfect sense to me, and to the general public.
"I believe Fairer Food Labelling will be about more than just a line on the packaging. We want to give shoppers more in-depth and useful details to inform their choice – and we have already made real progress in this area, giving consumers clarity and making the right choices simpler.
"I hope we can deliver a genuine boost for Scottish and British farmers and shoppers."
