Stirling MP Alyn Smith and local Councillor Evelyn Tweed MSP have urged food and drink projects in Stirling to apply for a new Scottish Government fund, launched to drive projects that celebrate locally sourced and produced food and drink.
The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership was launched to help the sector with its recovery from COVID and prepare for Brexit, supported by £5 million from Scottish Government for 2020/21. An additional £50 million will be provided over 2021/22.
Since 2018 the fund has awarded over £350,000 to 79 creative, innovative & collaborative projects across the regions of Scotland.
Grants of up to £5000 are available to applicants, and the deadline to apply is 15th March 2021.
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘Scotland is home to some of the best food and drink in the world, and Stirling plays a proud part of that. The sector has faced an extremely difficult year, so this funding comes at an important time in contributing to recovery from Covid-19.
‘Between Brexit and COVID-19, there are very few food and drink businesses which haven’t been seriously affected – but it’s vital our food and drink industry keeps growing and bringing benefits to Scotland and Stirling.’
Local Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:
‘This money will play an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.
‘I’d encourage all eligible groups and businesses in Stirling to apply before the deadline on 15th March.’
Notes:
https://foodanddrink.scot/regional-food-growth/regional-food-fund/
Who can apply?
- individual businesses in the food and drink sector, including primary producers, on behalf of a collaborative group or project
- regional and community groups (both rural and urban)
- individuals on behalf of a collaborative group or project
The fund is specifically aimed at collaborative projects that:
- Contribute to the food and drink sector’s recovery from Covid-19
- Contribute to the promotion and sales of regional produce
- Develop food tourism
- Benefit a region or community, not just one business
- Can be delivered by 31 December 2021
- Celebrate local produce
