LABELLING SCOTLAND’S LARDER.

LABELLING SCOTLAND’S LARDER.
SALTIRE SCHEME COULD SUPPORT SCOTTISH PRODUCE SNP Conference will this week hear a proposal for a special Scottish loyalty points scheme to reward the purchase of healthy Scots produce in corner shops and supermarkets. The proposal put forward by SNP MSP Aileen Campbell for a “Saltire” label is based on a similar “Shamrock” scheme in Ireland which sees receipts marked with Shamrocks next to purchases of Irish produce and supermarkets and stores offering loyalty points specifically for purchases of “Shamrock” items. Ms Campbell is proposing the scheme as a means of encouraging shoppers to purchase Scottish produce, to support our farmers and food producers and to cut food miles. Speaking ahead of SNP Conference, which will debate the proposal on Friday (17th April) South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell said; “Scottish produce is some of the best in the world and we are seeing increasing efforts by supermarkets and grocers to stock locally produced food. “As we feel the impact of the UK recession offering rewards for the purchase of Scottish produce could help keep shoppers focussed on buying Scotland’s best and support Scotland’s farmers and food producers through difficult times. “Introducing a further incentive to buy local could be a real shot in the arm for Scotland’s farmers. “Just like the Shamrock in Ireland, a Saltire on the shelves and then on the till receipt would emphasise how easy and important it is to buy decent local produce and reward shoppers in the process. “With food producers supporting Scotland’s Homecoming and increasing emphasis on the quality that comes with much Scottish produce the time is right to reward shoppers and producers through this scheme. “We need to make full use of Scotland’s magnificent larder if we are to promote health eating, cut food miles and boost the economy during this downturn.” 1. The resolution to be debated at SNP Conference (Glasgow) on Friday 17th April is below.

Labelling Scotland’s Larder .
Conference believes supporting local food produce in Scotland benefits the environment by reducing food miles, the economy by stimulating demand, and the individual by generally being healthier and more nutritious. Conference notes the success of “Shamrock” labelling schemes in Ireland, which highlight local purchases on till receipts, and can earn bonus loyalty points for supermarket shoppers. Conference calls on producers, grocers, supermarkets and the Scottish Government to work together to explore introducing a similar scheme in Scotland, using the Saltire to identify and encourage the purchase of local produce.