Scottish farmers among those receiving food-project funding boost

Typically Scottish... (Photo: Raphael Hofmann)
Typically Scottish... (Photo: Raphael Hofmann)

The Scottish government has announced a multi-million pound boost to food processors and farmers.

Butchers, pie manufacturers, food processors and farmers are among 16 projects that have secured funding from the latest round of the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) grant scheme.

The successful projects will share a slice of £5.8 million enabling food processing companies to build new facilities.

The fund is helping create 92 new jobs, while safeguarding over 1,200 others and boosting the agri-food industry.

Full list of companies receiving the funding
Full list of companies receiving the funding

Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said the Scottish food and drink industry is well-renowned.

“Whether it’s salmon, dairy or whisky our food and drink industry is world-renowned and these latest grants will enable sixteen more food and drink companies to expand their operations in response to growing demand for our wonderful larder.”

The announcement comes as news of positive figures show a growth for the Scottish agri-food industry.

Mr Ewing continued: “With the latest figures showing that our food and drink exports increased by over 11% in the first quarter of this year, today’s funding award of £5.8 million clearly demonstrates our continuing commitment.”

Robert Corrigan, Managing Director of Mr. C’s Hand Crafted Pies Ltd which is a listed company taking part in the funding, said: “Without adding this range of equipment, we were unable to substantially grow the business as the additional smaller range of pies cannot be made manually, and only this type of equipment would enable us to target new markets and expand within our existing markets.

“The grant funding allowed us to buy the equipment and will also enable us to create new jobs.”