Leading the way in Agriculture and Rural Research, Education and Consulting Think Local Patrick Hughes Think Local Programme Lead

Think Local Initiative The Think Local project has been in development over a number of years, looking to bring together initiatives on local food and drink in Scotland Effective delivery commenced in April 2013, with a focus on 5 streams –Added Value –Farmers’ markets and events –Local food retail & food tourism –Regional development –Collaboration

Think Local Objectives Think Local has specific delivery objectives including; –Developing food & drink networks and trails –Increasing applications for Protected Food Name status –Supporting showcase events for local and regional food

Think Local Objectives In 2014 the focus for delivery was the inclusion of local food at the Ryder Cup, key tourism events and the Commonwealth Games

2014 – Scotland in focus

Year of Food & Drink

Farm Shops in Scotland

Food Trail Development Currently two main types of food trails in Scotland; 1.Regional Food & Drink Trails 2.Sector Specific Food & Drink Trails

Regional Food & Drink Trails Food from Fife Created 7 regional trails across Fife

Sector Specific Trails The Malt Whisky Trail was the original sector specific trail Other sectors to create trails include; –Scottish Chocolatiers –Ice Cream Producers –Soft Fruit Farms

Scotland’s Berry Trail Linking to the Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink Monthly theme for July is Berry Month Trail will be launched prior to July as a focus on the soft fruit sector

Scotland’s Berry Trail

Common Interest Groups

Protected Food Names 11 Products in application

Think Local Success Increased appetite for producers working together for a common purpose Increased Protected Food Name applications Food & Drink businesses tapping into tourism potential

Thank you Any questions?