Offering Moray shoppers an alternative to the supermarkets
Moray shoppers could soon have a way to buy all the best locally produced food in one place.
Investigations are taking place into whether a ‘food hub’ would be popular enough to make it viable.
Arianne Burgess MSP, whose ward includes Moray, has given the proposed co-operative her backing.
She said: “There are so many high-quality food producers in and near Moray, providing fruit and veg, venison and beef, bread, drinks and more. But it’s rare to find their products in supermarkets.
“So it’s very exciting that plans are afoot to establish a one-stop shop for customers wanting to buy fresh, local produce and support our local food economy.
“This co-operative would bring together many different producers, making life easier for both the customers and the farmers and growers.”
The project would support small producers to cooperate on packing, delivery, marketing and more, reducing their costs.
If the pilot scheme goes well, there could be a presence on the high street as well as online.
Ms Burgess (Highland and Islands, Scottish Greens) added: “Moray has benefitted from several earlier projects which brought local food closer to people’s homes, including the brilliant Roots, Fruits and Leaves that was set up by the late Karen Hughes.
“Unfortunately these have not lasted, in part due to lack of funding support for small scale producers and market gardeners and as well as access to land.”
Fabio Villani heads up tsiMORAY which offers support, help and advice to local charities and good causes.
He said: “There is no doubt that small-scale growers can and do make a strong and valuable contribution to communities’ wellbeing and sustainability, including by shortening food supply chains and reducing food miles.”
