Plans to launch a new promotional Scottish dairy brand have been announced by Holyrood.
The move, to showcase Scottish dairy produce to UK retailers and overseas buyers, comes in the wake of Richard Lochhead saying he intends to publish a “detailed dairy action plan” to bolster the agricultural sector.
According to the Rural Affairs Secretary, a new promotional dairy brand is part and parcel of that plan, engineered to boost the profile of Scotland’s high-quality milk and cheese products.
“Here in Scotland we can produce some of the best cheese, butter and other dairy products around,” he said.
“I want to make it easier for consumers to choose Scottish products first, providing much-needed support to local farmers and boosting the Scottish economy.”
Mr Lochhead also said he wants to help Scotland’s dairy farmers capitalise on the “proud reputation of Scottish food and drink”, which should open up more export opportunities.
“Establishing a dairy brand will help consumers recognise the Scottish option and promote Scottish produce to overseas buyers,” he said.
Mr Lochhead said the support will not end there.
“I will shortly publish an action plan to help ensure a more sustainable future for the industry. This will help to deliver the support our dairy farmers need to face the future with confidence and certainty in the face of the changing price of milk.”
NFU Scotland milk policy manager George Jamieson said the branding of Scottish dairy products is one of the “key workstreams” already being picked up by Scotland’s recently established Dairy Growth Board (SDGB), under the chairmanship of Paul Grant.
“It is encouraging that there is now ministerial support behind this,” said Mr Jamieson.
He added that the SDGB is identifying export markets where added-value products, backed by a Scottish brand, could build sales and growth for the agricultural sector.
“In giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs Committee on milk prices, we called on Scottish Government to use 2015, the Year of Scottish Food and Drink, to secure and present a greater portfolio of Scottish dairy produce for markets at home and abroad,” said Mr Jamieson.
“Such a move needs investment in processing, promotion and marketing and also requires retailer buy-in.
“Export markets are a key opportunity, but there is ample scope to also boost the home market and get better exposure for Scottish dairy products on Scottish or British shelves.”