Last week’s Food Summit set out a vision of Stirling as Scotland’s first Good Food Nation city, where food joins together the region’s ambitions for its economy, environment and communities.
The two-day event was opened by Stirling Council Director of Localities and Infrastructure, Alastair Brown. He said: “Bringing local communities, businesses, voluntary groups and public sector organisations to work together on food in the Stirling area is what true sustainability is about and the Council is delighted to be given the chance to do our bit to enhance the social, economic and environmental benefits that Stirling can derive from this.”
The summit was organised by local charity Forth Environment Link (FEL) in association with Stirling Council, Forth Valley & Lomond Leader, Soil Association Scotland and Sustainable Food Cities.
Carol Beattie, Stirling Council Head of Economic Development said: “The summit is a fantastic springboard for Stirling to become a leader in the Food and Drink sector. It reflects our ambitions for the area with our City Region Deal and the innovation and collaboration that underpins it.”
A recent report, commissioned by FEL, from Nourish Scotland ahead of the summit revealed that each week the population of Stirling spends around £2,500,000 on household food and drink (excluding alcohol). But that around 95% of grocery shopping is done in supermarkets, leaving local producers unsupported.
Clara Walker, Director of Forth Environment Link said: “Stirling has the urban and rural resources to become an exemplar region that is good with food. We have enough land to produce much more of what we eat locally, just 10% of our arable land would be needed to produce 5 portions of fruit and vegetables for everyone in the area. We are already working towards a better food system for everyone. We launched Stirling Food Assembly last September, where farmers receive 80% of the price of the produce, and we run a range of growing and cooking projects across the city with our partners. However to establish a city region that is truly good with food, a lot of change still needs to happen.”
Some of the recommendations coming out of the summit include a weekly covered market in a central location, developing a local food wholesaler and making more spaces available for community growing.
CAPTION: More than 140 people attended the summit’s community day to share their views about food in Stirling and to learn some new foodie skills. Stirling youngster Deia Wilkinson (9) learns some new baking skills from Riverside Bakery’s Theo Laffargue.
Stirling's ambition to become Scotland's first Good Food City
Stirling could soon be renowned for its dynamic food culture, a place where everyone enjoys good food and a healthy diet.
