Challenge fund for food and drink sector will accelerate journey to net zero - Howell Davies

Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion – making it the largest manufacturing sector and one of the best performing domestic sectors of Scotland’s economy. But continued growth is intrinsically tied to the future of Scotland’s natural resources.

Howell Davies, Sector Engagement Project Manager, Interface

This is outlined in Scotland Food and Drink’s “Leadership in a Climate Emergency” report, and contains a timely reminder of the overarching industry strategy Ambition 2030- a commitment to the industry becoming world leaders in responsible, profitable growth with a £30 billion goal by 2030.

The Scottish Food & Drink Net Zero Challenge Fund has been launched by Interface and Scotland Food & Drink to support food and drink businesses across Scotland. The new fund is a key initiative of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Recovery Plan, which is backed by the Scottish Government by £10m.

£130,000 is available to help businesses work with Scottish universities, research institutes or colleges to accelerate their journey to Net Zero with funding awards up to £10,000 in value.

The fund will support a key priority of the Scottish food and drink sector in its Net Zero commitment. It is open to businesses working in or with the food and drink industry addressing sustainability challenges, with solutions delivered through matchmaking and collaboration with academic experts.

Businesses who would like support in finding an academic partner to help solve their Net Zero challenge have until the 17th November to get in touch with Interface. Applications to the fund then need to be jointly submitted by the 17th December 2021.

Scotland is fortunate to have world leading academics in a range of disciplines from engineering, manufacturing, biotechnology and data science to name a few, who are well placed to support food and drink businesses and the sector in its sustainability goals. Applications are welcomed across the supply chain from primary production, manufacturing, food service, supply chains, retail and technology.

Businesses will also see benefit to their bottom line through cost and resource efficiencies and revenue through greening up their practises, products, and brand messaging. Funding may be awarded to projects in a wide range of areas such as sustainable agricultural practices, food waste, waste valorisation, sustainable ingredients and packaging, resource and energy efficiency and water use.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said at the launch: “Food and drink is one of Scotland’s most important economic sectors and is the largest manufacturing industry, supporting thousands of jobs and livelihoods. We want its success to continue into the future and for the sector to play its full part in helping Scotland to be fairer and greener. Working together to find solutions to the Net Zero challenge is key.

“This project will benefit the environment and promote co-operation between business and academia.

“At the same time, it will also help identify potential opportunities for the sector to grow and prosper, creating new jobs with green skills, and enabling and encouraging its recovery and resilience.

“I would encourage businesses operating across the food and drink sector to contact Interface to explore how they can access support and be part of this exciting initiative.”

John Davidson, Scotland Food & Drink Strategy and External Relations Director, described it as a “massive opportunity for Scottish food and drink businesses to get access to academic expertise which they may never have had without it”.

He added: “Scottish food and drink businesses, across sectors and regions, are pushing the sustainability agenda and finding new, innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprints and help the industry reach its Net Zero targets.

“The funding will allow Scottish food and drink businesses to pursue sustainable opportunities with academic support and guidance.”

For more information about the Scottish Food & Drink Net Zero Challenge Fund please visit https://interface-online.org.uk/net-zero-food-and-drink-challenge-fund

Howell Davies, Sector Engagement Project Manager, Interface