A NEW post is being created at Dumfries and Galloway Council to boost the region’s food and drink sector.
The local authority are to invest £145,000 to develop a Regional Food Plan over the next two years, delivered through the appointment of a new economic development officer.
That official will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the plan focuses on supporting collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive growth across the sector.
The funding was agreed by the finance committee on Tuesday.
Chairman Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “This sector is massively important to our economy locally. The creation of a Regional Food Plan will align with national objectives around food production and sustainability to support local businesses and communities through better cross working and supply chain management.”
Food and drink is Dumfries and Galloway’s largest, fastest growing and most valuable economic sector, with an annual turnover of £1.2 billion; accounting for 25 per cent of all private sector economic activity.
It includes primary production, through to small food producers, large scale food manufacturers and processors, leading to distributors, restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions, speciality retailers and distilleries.
