Supermarket stores across Scotland will be visited by an independent research firm on behalf of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland, which aims to "shine a light" on how and where Scottish produce is being made available to buy.
The Union has announced that an independent research firm will be visiting 73 stores in Scotland to identify stores where more can be done to support Scottish farmers and crofters. It aims to highlight how consumers and retailers can "build their support" for Scottish farmers, and will examine a product's country of origin, the price and whether it is Scottish, British or imported.
Over the next 12 months, a total of four 'Shelfwatch' surveys will be carried out by the firm on behalf of NFU Scotland, with the first set of results being presented at the Union's National AGM Conference and annual dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on 8th and 9th February.
The firm will look at beef, lamb, pork, chicken, soft fruit, vegetables and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt) in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Lidl and Aldi stores.
Survey results to create a "platform" for future discussions
Martin Kennedy, President of NFU Scotland, said: "Primary producers provide all of society with the one thing that we cannot do without, which is food. However, securing a fair return from the marketplace, while carrying all the risk, remains a real challenge for farmers and crofters.
"The ways in which Scottish consumers can support local produce through the likes of local shops and butchers, farm shops, farmers' markets and direct sales from the farm are growing. But supermarkets are by far the dominant force when it comes to food sales. It is right that, through this major independent retail survey, we shine a light on whether they are meeting their responsibilities.
"The first results from this survey, to be revealed at our AGM and Conference, will give us a fantastic opportunity to not only hold our retailers to account and highlight to our consumers what is going on in some shops, but also give credit to those who are tremendous supporters of local food production within Scotland.
"All major retailers have a role to play if we are to genuinely tackle the depending food security crisis. The results of this survey give us a platform for future discussions with supermarkets on responsible treatment of suppliers and guaranteed delivery of a fair price to producers for the food they produce. All retailers are invited to join us at our AGM to highlight what commitments they are undertaking to support Scottish farmers and crofters."
Retailers were notified of the research in advance and have been invited by NFU to join a panel session at the AGM to discuss the results.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
