Farmers, crofters and the Scottish food and drink sector are striving to ensure Scottish glasses and plates remain full over Easter, according to NFU Scotland.
NFU Scotland says it remains fully committed to its pledge of keeping the plates and glasses of Scotland full throughout the Covid-19 crisis, with a huge effort being put in by farmers, crofters and every part of the Scottish food and drink chain to ensure that supplies remain available in stores and for delivery over the Easter period.
President of NFU Scotland, Andrew McCornick, said: “The messages of support that Scottish farmers and crofters have received for their efforts throughout this crisis have been humbling but pale beside the praise and recognition merited by our frontline NHS staff, care workers, emergency services and volunteers.
“Farmers and crofters are currently working flat out through a springtime that brings lambing, calving, ploughing, planting – all of which will guarantee security of food supplies in the future.
“Farmers and crofters are currently working flat out through a springtime that brings lambing, calving, ploughing, planting – all of which will guarantee security of food supplies in the future.”
“As for the here-and-now, it is a testament to the efforts of many that there remains a fantastic array of Scottish produce for consumers. Markets and abattoirs have adapted their practices to underpin supplies of the best beef, lamb and pork in world. Strawberry picking has just started on Scottish farms. Scottish eggs, poultry, milk, cereals, potatoes and veg remain available.
“Social distancing and self-isolation will mean our traditional Easter family celebrations will be very different this year. But there is still an opportunity, where possible, for people to celebrate and support the fantastic array of food and drink that we produce.
“While disappointing to Scottish farmers and crofters to see things like imported lamb, beef or strawberries on some supermarket shelves at this time, the health of the nation must come first and foremost and we fully recognise the need for retailers to keep shelves stocked and the nation well-fed, particularly when panic buying was commonplace. Thankfully, there are signs that the messages on stockpiling are having an effect.
“In the weeks ahead, where the opportunity arises, and people have a choice on what food keeps them fuelled throughout the crisis, we hope they will choose Scottish.”
