Net Zero Support for Scotland

Ian Clunie, Net Zero Programme Director:

As governments, communities and businesses grapple with the right actions to take, when a just transition to net zero, what we eat and drink and how it's produced is one of the single biggest challenges we face, Scotland's food drink industry needs to take urgent action to tackle climate change and to reduce its carbon emissions.

To meet net zero, we are working with our partners to create a food and drink system in Scotland, which is making progress towards net zero carbon emissions, safeguarding our natural environment, developing green skills, jobs, and careers, while supporting sustainable growth.

But we need to accelerate that progress, which is why we are here. Our role at the Net Zero program is to provide leadership advice and practical support to all of Scotland's food and drink businesses, wherever they are on their net zero journey.

We are committed to placing net zero at the heart of all plans in the food and drink sector. This means collaborating and sharing of best practice, supporting development of green skills, and using interventions to provide support.

We have a specific focus on SMEs who represent over 90% of businesses in this sector.

Our goal is to fill data gaps and share this data to guide actions, inform interventions, and measure progress.

We are helping address the challenges and opportunities that producers, manufacturers, and all those involved throughout the food and drink supply chain face.

Reducing emissions brings multiple commercial benefits from financial savings to new market opportunities and market access.

It is vital to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of the sector.

Acting now means businesses are well prepared ahead of the inevitable increase in mandatory regulation on emissions.

The Net Zero programme is committed to being a driving force for change, leading and supporting the Scottish food and drink industry to meet its net zero targets, ensuring we can all take advantage of the opportunities this presents.

But we must be clear, a drastic change of pace is needed if the Scottish Human drink sector is to meet its net zero target.

Collective action is needed now.

Email net0@fdscotland.org.uk.