An ambitious new action plan to help organic food and farming build a more sustainable future, regenerate the rural economy and conserve biodiversity and natural resources is being launched for Scotland.

Unveiled today (Wednesday 27 January) “Organic Ambitions: Scotland’s Organic Action Plan 2016 – 2020” will be further celebrated with a parliamentary reception (at 17:30) on 28th January, attended by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment.

Outlining an Organic Vison for 2020, the Action Plan identifies the key challenges facing the development of Scottish organic food and the actions required to address them. Key to the strategy is spreading knowledge about the economic, environmental and social value of Scottish organic produce, increasing the strength of the whole supply chain and boosting skills through knowledge of best practice and training. Building resilience by strengthening the ability of the sector to conserve and enhance Scotland’s natural capital will also be vital. Work begins early this year on a programme to deliver these desired outcomes.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: “Scottish food and drink is a phenomenal success story and, as interest in organic produce increases, that sector clearly has an important role to play in continuing that trend. Much has been achieved over the past few years but there is the potential to do so much more.

“I want to see a strong organic sector in Scotland, one that is strategically supported and that can compete with the rest of the UK, EU and, indeed, the world. I also want to see a Scottish organic sector that is making an important contribution to Scotland becoming a Good Food Nation, by being self-sustaining, adding value to our environment as well as the economy. Partnership and positive collaboration are key to achieving these aims and this new action plan will surely assist in realising these ambitions.”

“Organic Ambitions” was funded by Scottish Government and produced by the Scottish Organic Forum following an extensive consultation. SOF members include Scottish Government, Soil Association Scotland, Scottish Organic Producers Association, Organic Growers Alliance, Caledonian Organics, Scottish Organic Milk Producers, the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, SRUC and SAC Consulting, part of SRUC, which also provides the secretariat.