Douglas Watson National Development Officer for Farmers’ Markets

Its been lonely in the saddle since the horse died! THINK LOCAL!!

Community Retail – a Tricky Balance! Local NeedsBUSINESS NEEDS Visitor Needs

Localisation- The Value Proposition  Community  Economic  Environmental  Diet & Health  Heritage & Legacy  Culture & Identity

Community Communities can be defined by geographical area, interest, socio economic criteria or nationality etc.– Tourists? – Yachts? – Self catering? - they can be real or virtual!! Food & drink is an integral part of most communities – are you connected?

Economic Spending on local food benefits the local economy through the effect of the economic multiplier e.g. for every pound spent at a local shop, £2.59 is generated in the local economy, compared with the £1.40 generated by every pound spent at the supermarket. The pound in your pocket!

Environmental  Environmental credentials  Reduce energy consumption and waste  Packaging and food miles  Reduce, reuse, recycle  Green is good!!

Diet & Health  Fresh, nutritious, wholesome, & tasty  Naturally or organically grown  Free from additives, flavourings or preservatives  Gluten free  Preparation & cooking  Education & information

Heritage & Legacy Characteristics and composition peculiar to the local area -  Speciality dishes  Unique recipes  Historic varieties or processes  Protected Food Names  Feasts, seasonal dishes, local events etc.

Culture & Identity Culture and identity are what makes us all different -  A sense of place  A sense of belonging  A sense of being!

Community Retail & Local Produce Play to your strengths –  Community  Economic  Environmental  Diet & Health  Heritage & Legacy  Culture & Identity

THINK LOCAL Think Local is a combined support initiative funded by the Scottish Government to provide development support for the local food sector in Scotland along with a community food and drink grant scheme.

Think Local Supports - Local & regional food projects, initiatives and developments Organisations to deliver the above Activities that have the greatest impact and widest community benefit It does NOT support posts or revenue funding

Think Local Priorities are -  Increase turnover in farm retail  Help create new businesses in food and drink  Increase the number of events in food and drink fortnight  Create thriving food and drink networks  Reducing food and drink poverty in Scotland’s urban areas  Developing community food and drink retailing in Scotland’s rural areas  Delivering new applications for Protected Food Name status  Delivering showcase events for local and regional food

Applications Full details of the scheme are currently being developed by SAC (Consulting) and will be available shortly on the Think Local Web site. Savour the Flavours has been in discussions with Think Local since it was announced and will keep members informed.