Scottish government awards £6m of food processing grants

The Scottish government has awarded grants worth £6m to help farmers and other food businesses add value and diversify through the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Fund (FPMC).

The FPMC scheme provides funds to enable companies to invest in infrastructure, replace facilities and purchase new equipment.

Eighteen companies have successfully secured a grant during the latest round of the scheme.

See also: Read more about grants offered to farmers 

The highest single award for £808,000 will fund a new business venture setting up a drinks manufacturing facility producing and packaging high-quality beers, ciders, soft drinks and craft spirit brands.

Several farming businesses will also benefit.

These include Aberdeen & Northern Eggs, which has secured £715,000 to increase its grading and packing capacity.

Ardler Potato Co-operative has also won £555,000 to establish a potato washing and grading facility that will be used by about 10 local growers.

Meanwhile, an organic farming business in Berwickshire has been awarded £70,000 to help develop its on-farm butchery by adding a walk-in freezer, hanging room and new processing equipment.

Rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing said the ambition was to double the value of Scotland’s’ food and drink industry to £30bn in the next 12 years.

“The FPMC grant scheme is an important part of that ambition, using joint Scottish government and European Union funding to give local businesses a helping hand, which will ensure the long-term viability of our primary producers, and maximise export markets for our fantastic Scottish produce.”

The FPMC is currently closed to applications.