APPLICATIONS can now be made to a fund aimed at supporting Scottish food and drink suppliers and producers to invest in future growth.
A total of £7.3 million has been available by the Scottish Government for the annual food processing, marketing and cooperation grant scheme (FPMC).
Applicants to the scheme will be asked to demonstrate the benefits their project will provide to the local economy. This includes shortening supply chains, increased of use of local produce and markets and benefits to the wider local economy.
In 2020, a range of support went towards firms looking to boost their packaging operations. Caley Walton Partners, of Berwickshire, received £70,761 towards a new £176,902 food processing module which included a new packaging area.
Aberdeen & Northern Eggs Ltd received £715,157 towards a £2.3 million to increase its grading and packing capacity aimed at meeting future growing demand, as well as providing packaging flexibility to allow for a wider range of products to be produced.
The Scottish Government’s rural affairs secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said, “Our food and drink sector creates amazing produce that is enjoyed across local, national and international markets.
“As well as encouraging innovation and co-operation, this scheme will also help sustain and create employment opportunities within our rural communities which have been particularly hardly hit by the damaging impact of Brexit.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has also underlined the need for a strong food supply chain and growing consumer interest in food that is produced locally to a high standard.
“Looking to the future, this funding will help new and established businesses to move into emerging markets and ensure the long-term viability of our primary producers.”
For more information on the scheme, click here.
