An external advisory group has been launched by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership Net Zero Programme, with the aim to help the industry meet its Net Zero targets by 2045.

 

The group is made up of experts from science, NGOs, and food-related businesses, and is chaired by Professor Sir Ian Boyd, co-chair of the First Minister’s Environmental Council and professor of biology at the University of St. Andrews. 

 

The advisory group will provide insights and advice to help the food and drink industry in Scotland meet climate targets and make the most of changing markets at home and globally. It will explore opportunities and lead conversations on how the sector contributes to the national effort toward Net Zero emissions.

 

The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership Net Zero Programme was created during COP26 in 2021, and is using resources sector-wide to expediate action to meet the target.

 

Iain Clunie, Net Zero Programme director (pictured), said: “Scotland has huge potential to be a global leader in climate-friendly food production, and there is an obligation on us to grasp that opportunity.

 

“That is why we created the external advisory group; to support the Scottish food and drink industry’s Net Zero plans to ensure that we deliver on our climate targets and make the most of the evolving market opportunities presented by sustainable food products. One of the group’s first tasks will be navigating the complex issue of the just transition — what does it mean for the Scottish food and drink industry and how can we deliver on it?”

 

Ian Boyd added: “We can all see that climate change has already had a severe impact on food security last winter, with the scarce availability of certain fruit and vegetables due to the severe weather conditions in the Mediterranean. With the new advisory group, we hope to accelerate efforts of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero journey.

 

“It was refreshing to see food security taking precedence at COP28 last November, with 134 countries signing on to a first-of-its-kind declaration pledging to put food systems and agriculture at the heart of their climate ambitions, and this lends itself well to customers' demand for more sustainable food options. Scotland has an ambition to be at the forefront of the international community on sustainable food and drink production and the advisory group will play a pivotal role in realising that ambition.”