Good Food Stirling Introduction Contents 1 3 Introduction: Stirling’s opportunity Stirling has an opportunity. It could soon be renowned for its

8 Prosperity: A thriving local food economy dynamic food culture, as a place where everybody enjoys good

25 Social Justice: A fair food system food and a healthy diet, a region where conservation and food

30 Health: Promoting physical and mental wellbeing production go hand in hand, where wildlife is thriving and food

36 Environment: Protecting landscapes and wildlife growing and shared meals are bringing communities together.

42 Knowledge: Resilient and empowered communities Stirling’s recently awarded City Deal given the health, environmental, social and 53 Conclusion: Shaping the future of Stirling’s food system signifies a chance to transform the region.2 employment benefits of local food, Stirling It provides an opportunity to invest in should invest in supporting everyone to people, and enable everyone to develop access it. The reward will be a more resilient, new skills and lead fulfilling lives. Stirling fairer and healthier society. could be ambitious and raise expectations; advancing a truly inclusive and dynamic society where everyone feels empowered in The Scottish Government has already their lives and their communities. demonstrated a commitment to becoming a ‘Good Food Nation’3 and plans to Food should not be underestimated as an introduce a Good Food Nation Bill. It has essential vehicle for this transformation. It joins outlined six objectives for Scotland: together Stirling’s economy, environment and society. It touches every aspect of life, from • People who serve and sell food – from jobs to culture, health to natural surroundings. schools to hospitals, retailers, cafes and restaurants – are committed to serving Creating a food system that provides enough and selling good food. nutritious food for everyone in the region • Everyone in Scotland has ready access to is achievable, and will result in many other the healthy, nutritious food they need. benefits too. Developing Stirling’s local food economy will create jobs with employment • Dietary-related diseases are in decline, that offers creativity, connection with the as is the environmental impact of our local community and continual professional food consumption. development. Promoting local food, produced • Scottish producers ensure that what in ways that support ecosystems, will protect they produce is increasingly healthy and natural resources for generations to come. A environmentally sound. local food system is a cultural asset for Stirling, • Food companies are a thriving feature of which will allow residents and visitors alike to the economy and places where people We would like to dedicate this Good Food Stirling report to enjoy delicious food. want to work. Bernard Barker who contributed a huge amount to the local Due to the externalisation of costs in the food scene in Stirling. Bernard worked tirelessly and with endless • Other countries look to Scotland to learn current, globalised food system, local food is, enthusiasm to develop and create more opportunities for more people how to become a Good Food Nation. or perceived to be, more expensive. However, to get access to good local food. Through his involvement with Forth Valley Food Links; with Forth Environment Link; his commitment, along with his wife Hilary, to running Stirling Farmer’s Market; and as an individual who wanted to see positive change, Bernard was a standard bearer for good food.

See references on page 54.

Good Food Stirling 2 Good Food Stirling 3 INTRODUCTION

Arnprior Farm sheep

Stirling could lead Scotland in committing to once; therefore recommendations for action a new food system; it has an opportunity with to develop Stirling’s food system may appear the City Deal to invest in its population and in several sections. Programmes can support develop a reputation as an amazing place to local businesses whilst addressing health live and visit. challenges, or improve the natural environment whilst promoting knowledge about the food This will need leadership, partnership working, and ambition. Stirling is not starting from system. For clarity, there is a summary of scratch and already has many thriving food recommendations on pages 49-51. enterprises and initiatives. It is small enough to Achieving a transformation will require taking facilitate effective collaboration across sectors a whole system approach, understanding and across the region, but big enough to draw how each element impacts on another, and on people with a diverse range of skills. forging solutions that are coherent with the Ambition will need to be supported with big picture. investment. Creating opportunities that The big picture is bigger than Stirling. This enable individuals, businesses, public bodies document focuses on opportunities for and communities to join the dots will enable change at a local level: what Stirling can do initiatives to be greater than the sum of their in order to feed its population well, whilst parts. looking after its natural environment. However, This report outlines what is happening in it will be local outcomes that fulfil national and Stirling’s food system at the moment, and international ambitions. Stirling cannot only presents ideas for the future. It is divided into inspire other regions in Scotland, becoming five sections, following the Good Food Nation a beacon of a Good Food Nation; it could framework: Prosperity, Social Justice, Health, also support progress on the UN Sustainable Environment and Knowledge. However, Development Goals. Moving towards a this structure does not accurately reflect the more localised food system in Stirling, nature of the food system; it is important which includes mutually beneficial trade to remember that it is a system and cannot relationships, can contribute to the UN goals effectively be separated into constituent parts. to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure Mechanisms will pull on multiple levers at prosperity for all.4

See references on page 54. Gillian Mackay, Ardunan Farm Good Food Stirling 4 Good Food Stirling 5 3217 In 2016 Start Up Stirling Where we are children supported 1,900 people with in Stirling 103,000 live in poverty emergency meals Imperatives for action after housing costs. That’s nearly the capacity of Meanwhile Stirling households Forthbank Stadium produce approximately 9,900 tonnes Each week, the population of of food waste each year. Stirling spends around £2,500,000 Less That’s 32 bin lorries than 74% of 34% Only one half food business in Stirling on household food and drink Scots said that the of babies in is a registered Living Wage Employer (excluding alcohol). Stirling had been most convenient food breastfed at all at the to buy outside of the 6-8 week review, with Stirlin home is usually the of g’s only 34% exclusively y, w But... breastfed n h a e least healthy f a i t around 95% ,

e c l r of grocery shopping t o t is done in supermarkets, i p which leaves local producers L and processors unsupported. Less than 1% of Stirling’s arable g . land is used to o g There is only e Supermarkets pay s in l grow vegetables in ir producers one to St b in fruit and vegetable shop read eaten just on Stirling’s high streets. 4,490 residential properties 20-50% within the Forth Local Plan District of the price of products, were identified as being at risk of flooding. making it difficult for farmers to make a living. Agriculture is the major cause of soil compaction; healthy, well-functioning soils are crucial to reducing the risk of floods and maintaining our capacity to grow food into the future.

Good Food Stirling 6 Good Food Stirling 7 Prosperity

Kate and Iain, Perthshire Preserves Prosperity “Food companies are a thriving feature of the economy and places where people want to work.” “People who serve and sell food from schools to hospitals, retailers, cafes and restaurants are committed to serving and selling good food.”

A thriving local food system could play a Money spent in the local food system is Research undertaken by the Campaign to jobs that do not pay the Living Wage and use decisive role in fulfilling Stirling’s ambitions re-spent several times locally; buying local Protect Rural England found that supermarkets zero hour contracts.13 Only one of the hundreds to be a prosperous and inclusive city region.5 produce from local shops contributes to employed one person for around every of food businesses in Stirling is registered as a the incomes of people in the community, £141,000 turnover, whereas shops that Living Wage Employer (Bespoke Catering).14 Developing a more localised food system who in turn spend their incomes within the sold at least 25% local produce employed As outlined in the Scottish Government’s holds opportunities not only for job creation 9 community, bringing a multiplied benefit to one person for every £48,000 of revenue. Good Food Nation objectives, working in the and local economic growth, but community the local economy. Although this multiplier Consequently diverting 5% from supermarkets food sector should be valued and entail a cohesion and stronger connections between effect is documented through some to stores selling some local produce would commitment to producing, selling and serving 6 the city and rural areas. research , the number of variables and lack result in 45 more jobs in the retail sector good food. Stirling could make use of its of consistency with what is included make it alone, with additional contributions to local skilled population and develop a reputation for Stirling isn’t an island; it is part of a highly difficult to define the extent of the economic production, processing and distribution. high-quality food. With current uncertainty in integrated global food system, which brings multiplier for local food systems. One estimate The food sector is a major employer in the agricultural sector, now is the time to offer benefits to the population in terms of choice that is often used is from the New Economics Stirling. In the agricultural sector there alternative ways of distributing, selling and and convenience in accessing diverse food. Foundation, which found that £10 spent in a are 644 occupiers and spouses of farm preparing food that meet the needs of farmers, However, without compromising these local food outlet could contribute £25 to the holdings, with 265 full-time employees, 151 food processors and everyone working in the local economy, a local multiplier of 2.5.7 advantages, there are opportunities to part-time employees and 66 casual and food sector. develop localised supply chains that will 10 Each week, the population of Stirling spends seasonal workers. 5,000 of the 45,000 A vibrant, diverse local food economy would support producers, processors, retailers around £2,500,000 on household food jobs in Stirling are in Accommodation and both be an asset for the local population and consumers in Stirling and generate and drink (excluding alcohol). It spends a Food Service activities (11.1% compared to and a motivation to visit Stirling. This section employment in the food sector and beyond. A further £880,000 on food and non-alcoholic 8.2% in Scotland as a whole).11 In 2014, ONS will look at what Stirling eats, the food retail more localised food system is advantageous drinks outside of the home.8 Moving a small calculated that 20.5% of employee jobs in environment, local processing facilities and not only in terms of increasing local prosperity amount of this total of £3,300,000 into the Stirling were paid less than the living wage,12 local production to consider what would be it also offers more resilience in an increasingly local food system would result in a significant with Accommodation and Food Service known needed for Stirling to produce more of what it unpredictable global environment. contribution to local economic growth. to be the sector with the highest proportion of eats and eat more of what it produces.

Each week, £10 spent the population of Stirling spends The food sector 5,000 of the in a local food outlet is a major employer 45,000 jobs could contribute £25 £880,000 on food and non-alcoholic drinks in Stirling in Stirling are in Accommodation to the local economy outside of the home and Food Service activities See references on page 54. See references on page 54.

Good Food Stirling 8 Good Food Stirling 9 Prosperity Prosperity

What does Stirling eat?15 Where do people in Stirling buy their food? Each week the population of Stirling buys for household consumption:

Meat and fish

£723,400 Fats and sugars £190,100

£252,000 Dairy £504,000

Fruit and veg £304,800

Other

Meat and fish: £723,400 Fats and sugars: £190,100 16 • £126,800 (14,700 kg) of carcass meat, • £50,000 (14,200 kg) of fats Current picture Looking forwards (including 9,800 kg/£93,00 of beef, 1,200 kg/£12,000 of (including 4700 kg/£24,000 of butter and 4400 According to Leigh Sparks, Professor of Retail mutton and lamb and 3,700 kg/£21,600 of pork) litres/£9,300 of vegetable and salad oil) 15 major supermarkets, and a at Stirling University, although out-of-town • £484,800 (74,100 kg) of non-carcass • £19,000 (9,300 kg) of sugars and preserves further 87 smaller convenience supermarkets and hypermarkets continue meat and meat products • £121,100 (14,400 kg) of confectionary stores, grocery shops and to dominate the grocery market, there are (including 13,600kg/ £70,000 of uncooked chicken, 4,900 newsagents selling some food items. Dairy: £252,000 some shifts in the pattern of retail and the kg/£23,500 of pork sausages and 17,200kg/£104,400 of future is uncertain. A trend towards smaller, ready meals and convenience meat products) • £158,000 (161,600 litres) of milk 19 bakeries, including those that high street supermarkets, the rise of discount • £111,800 (11,400 kg) of fish (milk and milk products, excluding cheese) sell household bakery items and • £67,000 (9200 kg) of cheese stores and an increase in internet shopping items to be eaten on the go. • £27,000 (8,245 kg) eggs (around 164,900 eggs) all feature in the shifting configuration of the Fruit and veg: £504,000 grocery retail market. Consumers are looking • £125,000 (58,200 kg) of fresh and Other: £304,800 19 butchers for convenience and experience in retail.17 processed potatoes • £116,000 (54,000 kg) of bread • £182,000 (84,000 kg) of fresh and Catering to consumers who are interested in • £5300 (2,400 kg) of oatmeal and oat products 14 confectioners a different experience of grocery shopping processed vegetables • £39,400 (11,100 kg) of breakfast cereals has been where local food retail has thrived, (excluding potatoes) • £17,500 (7,400 kg) of pasta Nine delicatessens • £197,000 (94,000 kg) of fresh and • £48,600 (7,100 kg) of pizza for example Stirling Farmers’ Market has processed fruit been running for the last 23 years. Other • £78,000 (16,600 kg) of biscuits One fruit and vegetable shop, newer options such as the Food Assembly and additional community projects or a Food Hub which take advantage of supplying fruit and vegetables. Each week, outside the home, the population of Stirling consumes: the Internet to promote convenience for • 7780 kg of meat and meat products • 530 kg of pasta producers and consumers alike can also There is no permanent • 950 kg of fish and fish products • 540 kg of soup provide a central distribution point while fishmonger in Stirling, but street • 230 kg of cheese (including quiche and cheese • 780 kg of fruit (fresh and processed) maintaining a social dimension to food. pies and pasties) • 220 kg of yoghurt and fromage frais traders selling fish supply Stirling. • 960 kg of pizza • 630 kg of bread (including rolls, This infrastructure could further support • 750 kg of eggs (around 15080 eggs) garlic bread, croissants, but excluding Three permanent farm shops; availability of local food on the high street. • 5840 kg of potatoes (including 4071kg of chips) sandwiches) Stirling Food Assembly; three Stirling could look to reclaim urban centres • 2840 kg of vegetables • 5960 kg of sandwiches (including Farmers Markets, and some direct for creating a sense of community around • 1200 kg of salads 3586 kg of meat/fish-based sandwiches, farm delivery services, including a food, where it is easy, interesting, and fun to • 620 kg of rice (including fried rice, risotto and and 2395 kg of cheese/egg/vegetable- veg box scheme. do food shopping. other cooked rice) based sandwiches)

See references on page 54. See references on page 54.

Good Food Stirling 10 Good Food Stirling 11 Prosperity Prosperity

Caterers, cafés and restaurants Processing and manufacturing Mhor Bread Looking forwards Current picture22 Overall, Stirling is an affluent region relative to Meat Fruit and Vegetables Scotland as a whole; however, it is not noted for • There are two abattoirs in Stirling: • There is limited fruit and vegetable its café and restaurant scene. Investment in the processing in Stirlingshire. Knockraich Farm City should look to promote a vibrant café and - Scotbeef slaughter facility processes produces apple juice from their orchard restaurant culture focused on short supply chains 2,500 cattle and 15,000 lambs each week. of 700 apple trees. One other company – and local produce. - Duncan Stevenson Ltd is a small, Bakeshaw Ltd, is listed as producing fruit and (certified for organic), which enables Restaurants, cafés and public sector catering can vegetable juices. play an important role in catalysing some of the small local meat producers access to a changes in consumption that are needed for a specialised market. Bread healthy and sustainable food system. For example, • There are 19 butchers in Stirling, 11 of • Many of the bakery companies, for example creative recipes with local vegetables can which are listed as manufacturing - for Baynes and Greggs, sell bread and other stimulate demand and encourage people to try example, producing artisan pies, sausages savoury bakery items that are manufactured new things. Similarly nose to tail butchering, and and haggis. outside of the region and brought in fresh exposure to delicious recipes formed from meat every day. Dairy Current picture that is usually wasted, can help shift cultural norms. • There are a number of smaller bakeries • The biggest dairy processor is Graham’s Stirling University has 12,000 students and Forth producing bread in Stirling, for example: There are 400 cafes, snack bars, street Dairy, which produces around 2,784,480 traders, caterers, canteens, takeaways Valley College has 14,500 students in Stirling and - The Village Bakery litres of milk each week, and supplies to public houses and restaurants in the the central belt. 28% of Stirling’s workforces are all over Scotland. It currently employs 420 - Mhor Bakery Stirling Council area preparing food for employed in Public admin, Defence, Education people. people outside of the home. (This figure and Health.21 Transforming the food offer in the - Riverside Bakery CIC • Knockraich Farm is a farm and food increases to 580 companies if hotels and public sector, with more organic, local ingredients • There are other community bakeries in 18 processing business, which has 60 cows B&Bs are included). would not only create a market and develop local development, such as Drymen Community and produces yoghurt, fresh milk, crowdie It is estimated that £435,000 is spent supply chains, it could also result in a cultural shift Bakery, and organisations which incorporate and crème fraîche. each week on café and restaurant meals and influence what people chose to eat at home. baking into their activities such as Camphill 19 • There are no cheese producers in Stirling. in a five-mile radius of the city centre. Stirling should be aiming for at least Soil Blair Drummond. Across the Stirling region there are a Association’s Gold Catering Mark across the board number of cafes and restaurants, which in public sector catering, which includes 15% already specialise in local food and organic produce and promotes involvement of fresh produce. However, it is still a niche the whole community in food. In public kitchens in market, with infrastructure to link farmers Copenhagen, 88% of the food served is organic, and chefs, and make it easy for caterers which was achieved without any increases in the to use local ingredients, limited. food budget. Creative menus, seasonal produce, Stirling Council provides school meals less meat and less waste can make sustainable and catering in civic buildings, totalling food affordable. Catering staff will be at the heart 900,000 meals a year.20 They have the of this transition, and providing opportunities for Soil Association’s Silver Food for Life cooks to learn new skills, get out on to local farms Catering Mark Award for meals served in and be creative with food should be prioritised. primary and early years settings, but not for secondary schools or for canteens in More broadly, Stirling should be looking to civic buildings. This is an independently encourage and reward valued and creative verified award, which rewards the employment in the food sector, promoting the inclusion of local, seasonal, ethical and Living Wage and opportunities for training and sustainable produce. development. Theo, Riverside Bakery CIC

See references on page 54. See references on page 55.

Good Food Stirling 12 Good Food Stirling 13 Prosperity Prosperity

Cakes, biscuits and confectionery Wholesalers • This is the sector with the largest amount of micro- Riverside Bakery CIC bread processing businesses. There is one larger business – Campbells Shortbread, based in Callander, which Current picture produces shortbread that is exported worldwide as Wholesalers are the link between producers well as sold all over Scotland. and independent retailers, local authorities, • IQ Superfood chocolate is a company based in processors and manufacturers, cafés Stirling producing allergen-free chocolate. and restaurants. Supermarkets generally • A number of cake micro-businesses including: incorporate wholesaling into their businesses, Balmaha Larder Ltd; Cakes by Shirley; Eleganza working directly with producers and building Cakes; Kelly G’s Gourmet Bakery; Macgowen their own distribution systems. Patricia; Art 2 Eat; Cookroom. • Stirling Local Authority, and most of the independent retailers, cafés and restaurants Chutneys and jams rely predominantly on wholesalers based • There are also a number of micro businesses outside of Stirling, although many Scottish making chutneys and jams within Stirling, for wholesalers are used. example, Perthshire Preserves, The Wee Kitchen Company and Dollop and Scoff. • Similarly, wholesalers in Stirling supply to neighbouring regions, or the whole of • Communities at Sunlite Café and Camphill Blair Scotland, or beyond to the rest of the UK. Drummond are also producing jams and chutneys. • There are seven wholesalers listed in Stirling, a mix of large corporations and independents. Looking forwards - Booker is the UK’s largest wholesale Right-sized local processing can support a variety of dairy products on site, operator, providing a wide range of meaningful employment and keep the including yoghurt, crème fraiche, crowdie produce to retailers and caterers. whole supply chain local, making it easier and butter. They sell approximately 75% - Batley’s Cash & Carry, similarly has a Looking forwards to trace food from field to fork and ensure of their produce through wholesalers, range of products form key suppliers and Wholesalers are a critical link in the that it is high quality produce. Small-scale for food service and to Waitrose. The own labels. supply chain, allowing producers to infrastructure can play a critical role in remaining 25% is direct sales from their access markets without having to build café or at the Stirling Food Assembly, - Caledonia’s Larder is a national specialist creating positive relationships across the food multiple relationships themselves. which has stimulated demand for more food company, with sole distribution supply chain and promoting connection with However, they can reduce the traceability products, including by-products: Katy rights for some Scottish products. our food, our environment and the people of food and the connection between Rodgers now sell buttermilk to Stirling who work to get food on to our plates. - Mushrooms Scotland is a key supplier of producers and consumers. Food Assembly customers. mushrooms to the Scottish and UK market. With an independent abattoir and local A Food Hub for Stirling could function as On the other hand, producing baked butchers, the meat supply chain can stay - John Callum Ltd Potatoes is a family a wholesaler for local food, only working goods relies on flour from outside the within Stirling. This should be protected as business that in the last 25 years has with farmers within a specified region region. Only Mungoswells in East Lothian it could be extremely damaging to farmers switched from supplying potatoes to and supplying the food service and retail offers completely traceable Scottish producing meat for the local market if the grocery stores and now solely supplies the sectors in Stirling with fresh, traceable flour.24 Stirling could develop local grain chip shop trade with potatoes from the produce.25 independent abattoir closed. Without it, other processing facilities, and keep the whole options such as mobile abattoirs would have eastern counties of England. supply chain local. One future role for wholesalers may be to be explored, which ensure short journeys - D. Mccallum & Son is a fruit and vegetable to bridge the gap between local demand to the facility and so reduce animal stress.23 There is minimal fruit and vegetable processing in Stirling at the moment; wholesaler, based just outside Stirling and and supply, building relationships with There is opportunity with dairy products for innovative local processing facilities could serving West Central Scotland. producers, and food services, to increase the whole supply chain to be on-farm, as the join up and encourage Stirling to help tackle waste in this sector, as well as - Cariel Soft Drinks is a soft drinks Knockraich Farm in Fintry demonstrates. It has produce more of what we eat and eat stimulate demand for fruit and vegetable wholesaler. a herd of 60 Friesian cattle, and they produce based products. more of what we produce.

See references on page 55. See references on page 55.

Good Food Stirling 14 Good Food Stirling 15 Prosperity Prosperity

Food production Current picture Stirling has 926 agricultural holdings with a fairly even size distribution.

Number of holdings and area, by size, in Stirling Unitary Authority, June 2016 Source: SG June Agricultural Census 2016. Provided by: Scottish Government RESAS. No. of holdings Hectares 0-<2 ha 112 134 2-<5 ha 139 442 5-<10 ha 101 737 10-<20 ha 85 1,247 20-<50 ha 139 4,561 50-<100 ha 122 8,938 100-<200 ha 99 13,811 200 & over ha 129 124,324 Total 926 154,194

Livestock farming forms a significant part such information is available from 2000 of Stirling’s agricultural sector, with some to 2014 for each field in the region. Such grain production, predominantly for the maps can be used to quantify the type of whisky industry and animal feed, but very farming in the Stirling region. Much of the little horticulture. Farming in the region faces food production occurs in the arable and environmental challenges in the coming years. grass compartments (yellow and light green) The land in Stirling has been compacted in some but extensive grazing is also practiced areas and soil degradation, an unpredictable in the ‘rough grass’ compartments. It is climate, biodiversity loss, and increased possible by comparing maps over time risks of flooding, all pose serious risks to the to demonstrate change in broad land use sustainability of food production in the region. patters, but with few exceptions, the land use has been stable in the last two decades. The There is also uncertainty for the sector as a result arable compartments can be further divided of Brexit and the potential end of the Common into cereals (e.g. winter wheat, winter barley, Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP is a subsidy spring barley, oats), oilseeds, vegetables and scheme that many farmers rely on to stay in legumes such as peas and beans. A further business. Farmers have already seen an increase potential value of IACS data, coupled with in input costs as a consequence of the UK soil maps (not shown), is to identify fields in decision to leave the European Union. which certain crops, such as leaf vegetables, Maps provided by the James Hutton Institute could be grown in sequence with other show the distribution in land use across crops, with the aim to estimate the total Stirling.26 The example shown is derived from potential production of different types of IACS (the EU’s Integrated Administration and food. However, this analysis is outwith the Control System) data for a single year. To date, scope of the present study.

Jim and Hilary, Eggilicious See references on page 55.

Good Food Stirling 16 Good Food Stirling 17 Prosperity Prosperity

Crops and grass grown in Stirling Unitary Authority, 2016 Source: SG June Agricultural Census 2016. Provided by: Scottish Government RESAS. Kate, West Moss-Side No. of holdings Hectares Wheat 33 1,008 Winter barley 22 360 Spring barley 77 2,258 Oats, rye, triticale and mixed grain 68 1,547 Rape for oilseed and linseed c c Potatoes c c Peas and beans for combining c c Stockfeeding crops 37 205 Fruit and vegetables for human consumption 12 9 Bulbs, flowers and nursery stock c c All other crops 30 265 Fallow land for 5 years or less 91 785 Total crops, fallow and set-aside 191 6,524 Grass under 5 years old 250 3,935 Grass 5 years and older 723 32,829 Rough grazings 365 90,022 Common Grazing land 0 0 Total grass and rough grazing 869 126,785 Woodland 394 17,778 Other land 512 3,107 Total area 924 154,194 Utilised agricultural area 890 133,309 c - suppressed to prevent disclosure of data relating to individual holdings

The table above, provided by the Scottish Government Agricultural Statistics department, refers to the number of farm holdings that are producing crops, have an area of grassland, woodland or other land. Normally farm holdings produce many different crops, with each counted here; consequently the total number of holdings does not reflect the number of farms in Stirling. Looking forwards Stirling could lead Scotland in diversifying its agricultural sector, building a reputation for environmentally friendly food production, community engagement, food tourism, and short supply chains. There is a wealth of research, ideas, and action out there for new approaches to farming that promote biodiversity and work with ecosystems. Certainly, Stirling faces certain challenges due to the weather and terrain, but these are not insurmountable. For example, covered vegetable production, such as large greenhouses powered on renewable electricity, would allow Stirling to grow more diverse produce locally. Providing support, training, and opportunities to enhance cooperation for farmers in Stirling could stimulate a more resilient, diverse and sustainable agricultural industry.

Good Food Stirling 18 Good Food Stirling 19 Prosperity Prosperity

Sectors in focus Vegetables From retail and catering, through to plants – including fruit, vegetables, and grains, Stirling could create a thriving horticultural to around 10% of Stirling’s arable land. wholesale, processing and production, and eating less meat. sector and make it easy for the whole Certainly, Stirling will continue importing fruit there are many changes that could population to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, but with some commitment This is not to deny that meat can be an important stimulate Stirling’s local food system, and vegetables a day. and creativity a lot more could be produced part of a healthy and sustainable diet, and creating meaningful jobs and local locally. Investing in covered greenhouses, Stirling’s many farmers producing high quality The population of Stirling, like the rest of the economic growth. powered by renewable energy, could meat play an important role in the food system. UK, are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. significantly increase the growing season and However, there are also opportunities in Stirling to A decade of consumer messaging around 5 a However, working towards the Good Food allow more diverse produce. Nation ambitions for a fair, healthy, and create local economies around more of the foods day, has resulted in a good level of knowledge sustainable food system in Scotland, also that we should be eating. that this is what we should be eating, but almost Promoting organic production in Stirling no change in actual consumption levels. would deliver positive environmental necessitates changes in what we eat. The following two examples – vegetables outcomes and have also been found According to the Government’s Eat Well and bread – illustrate how we could move to The World Health Organisation and Scotland’s to maximise health benefits, including Plate,27 which identifies a diet that is both a more localised food system that is healthy, Eat Well Guide recommend 5 portions of 80g increased antioxidants.31 healthy for people and the planet, the environmentally friendly and supports good of fruit and vegetables a day.28 In addition to principal shifts needed are eating more livelihoods and wellbeing. vegetable consumption improving health and In addition to jobs is horticultural production, protecting against some diseases,29 eating an a more developed horticultural industry See references on page 55. extra portion of vegetables each day and eating in Stirling could stimulate jobs in fruit and a little less meat consumption could reduce diet- vegetable processing. Businesses making related greenhouse gas emissions by 17%.30 soups, juices, and baby food could be Local food producers established to make best use of the locally Taking this recommendation, grown produce, and potentially help address launch Harvest Festival Stirling should consume issues of food waste. around 13,550 tonnes In addition to physical health benefits, of fruit and vegetables a year growing fruit and vegetables has been shown to improve mental health and support A conservative estimate of outdoor vegetable community cohesion. There are a wide range production is 20 tonnes a hectare. This would of growing projects across Stirling from mean Stirling would need 678 hectares in allotments to community gardens, these horticulture to provide the required fruit should be supported to encourage inclusive, and vegetables for the region. This equates diverse and empowering communities.

Next steps • Make veg growing a priority in Stirling; reach out to farmers to consider switching some of their land to horticulture. Develop a regional horticultural working group to facilitate learning and cooperation. • Explore piloting an extension of the Healthy Start scheme, for example to include children up to 16 years old, or to ensure that vegetables are half price for everyone on low-medium incomes at all outlets in Stirling. A scheme should look at establishing more direct links with farmers and growers in the region, to support their livelihoods too. • Work with educational institutions such as Forth Valley College to explore training opportunities for people growing, cooking and selling vegetables which bring together nutritional, environmental and practical knowledge.

See references on page 55.

Good Food Stirling 20 Good Food Stirling 21 Prosperity Prosperity

Bread What’s already happening? Stirling could develop a reputation for makes fine flour that is easy to bake with. Fresh The local food movement in Stirling is and now has 1163 members. Each week, an amazing bread, with a diverse and creative milling should be done as near to baking developing rapidly, with Stirling’s new Food average of 72 people (not always the same community of bakers supplying tasty and as possible, and this technology only works Assembly offering an excellent example of people) purchase from the Food Assembly. nutritious bread to the population. at a small scale. Consequently, it is perfect the potential for growth. Average weekly sales are £1350.00, with for enabling localised supply chains for The vast majority of Scotland’s wheat crop producers receiving an average of £1138.00. community-supported bakeries.33 Stirling Food Assembly goes to the whisky industry or for animal feed, Over 17 weeks, the Food Assembly revenue with little, if any, being used to make bread. Stirling Food Assembly opened in autumn totalled £23,104 (with producers receiving Stirling buys around Stirling’s wheat crop for 2016 was 8,770 September 2016 and provides an opportunity £19,350). Using the NEF estimate of a tonnes, and followed a similar story. 68,700 loaves each week for the people of Stirling to pre-order from local local economic multiplier of 2.5, in four producers, and to meet the farmers, bakers and Allowing for wastage, 1 tonne of wheat could 34 months Stirling Food Assembly contributed with a significant amount of that wasted cheese makers when they go to collect their order. make approximately 1250 loaves of white approximately £57,760 to the local economy. bread, and 1,700 loaves of wholemeal bread. Local, integrated supply chains supporting There are currently The quick success of the Food Assembly In Stirling, only 28% of the wheat crop would local people to make high quality bread 35 producers involved, offering indicates that demand for local produce is be needed to make all of the loaves of bread would improve health, reduce waste, generate already there, and can be further stimulated bought in the region. employment and contribute to culture and 138 local products by creating ways for consumers to access it. Scotland the Bread is an organisation community. Bread made in this way would be to the Stirling community. more expensive, but Stirling could explore Riverside Bakery CIC supporting a home-grown grain economy. At the Food Assembly, producers receive 80% including nutritious bread in an extension of Riverside Bakery CIC is an example of a new It has found that heritage varieties of wheat of the value of the produce, compared to Healthy Start, considering the health, social food business that is taking a whole system can be more resilient in Scotland’s climate, just 20-50% which they would receive going and employment benefits of local bakeries. approach, looking at the provenance, health provide a higher nutritional content, improved through a supermarket. and accessibility of food. They support local digestibility and lower allergenicity, than the A community baker could make around 750 The Food Assembly is based at Stirling railway producers as much as possible, as well as grains that are being used to make most of loaves a week. Shifting Stirling’s bread supply 32 station, which is attractive for commuters. offering training and bread making activities in Scotland’s bread today. to nutritious, tasty, locally-baked bread could However, the initiative has grown quickly the community. New technologies for milling grain could also create 115 jobs in baking alone; equating to improve the nutrition in bread; Scotland the 13% of the registered unemployed in Stirling Bread are now using a Zentrofan cyclone mill, retraining as community bakers. Investing in which mills whole grains into cool, ultra-fine a local mill and grain storage facilities would wholemeal flour. The mill wastes less of the create additional jobs and keep the whole Next Steps grain, preserves more of the nutrients, and supply chain local.35 A Food Hub for Stirling. In order to deliver prosperity across Stirling, creative approaches are needed to enhance the local food system, connecting producers, processors and consumers. Investing resources in to the development of a Food Hub could promote joined-up thinking, and support actors across the food system in different ways. It would need a large, multi- functional central location and be designed primarily to support a local food network, from Next steps skills and training to distribution and socialising. • Support farmers to switch to heritage wheat varieties, which would be more resilient in For example, it could: challenging environmental conditions, as well as make more nutritious bread. • Offer support, training and marketing opportunities to local producers, processors and • Invest in building a local mill and grain storage facilities, looking at opportunities to use retailers. renewable energy wherever possible. • Provide a space and facilitation support to enhance cooperation between local food sector • Launch a public education campaign about bread, highlighting the health and businesses. environmental benefits of local wholemeal bread. • Be a welcoming space for sharing ideas and developing innovative approaches to food • Explore including nutritious, locally made bread in a pilot extension of the Healthy Start waste, supply chain infrastructure, and other issues in the local food system. scheme, designed to ensure that income does not prevent anybody from accessing high- • Function as a distribution and/or retail point to support local supply chains, including quality, healthy food. providing local high quality, traceable food to the public sector. • Invest in a training programme for community bakers and millers. • Be a venue for community meals and support a lively food culture.

See references on page 55.

Good Food Stirling 22 Good Food Stirling 23 Prosperity

Support from the community Social Justice “The Stirling Food Hub will provide local food retail space in the City Centre, building on a culture of sustainable access “Everyone in Scotland has ready access to the healthy, to food. Working towards the outcomes desired by the nutritious food they need.” Sustainable Stirling Partnership, the safe community space will provide educational and advice facilities that seek to deliver a lower carbon footprint for Stirling and the wider What’s the issue? Marginalised communities, and the Stirling has the 5th highest gender pay gap Forth Valley area.” hardships they face, are often invisible to out of 32 local authorities in Scotland; average the rest of society. The recent emergence female pay is currently 15% less than male David Hopper, Head of Sustainability, Stirling Council of food banks has provided an explicit pay. Furthermore, women account for 91% of reminder of the stark issues of poverty lone parents with dependent children.39 3217 and inequality. Although the dedication of children in Stirling live in poverty after housing communities and charities to provide some costs.40 In 2016 the emergency food provider food in times of desperation is commended, Start-Up Stirling noted an increase in the 41 the existence of this patchy model for proportion of children they were supporting. ensuring people in Scotland can eat is Although there are some schemes to support an illustration of collective failure. Food parents to provide nutritious food, such as waste and food poverty are two significant Healthy Start vouchers, these only apply for problems of our current food system, children under 5 years old and the uptake rate but giving poor people food that would in the Forth Valley region is 70-75%. “The creation of a local food hub would otherwise be wasted is not a socially just Quality of food is likely to be compromised response to poverty.36 when budgets are tight. Following the 2008 be a fantastic opportunity to improve recession, households switched from higher access to local produce for consumers The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quality food to prioritizing calorie density, (SIMD) shows that there are considerable including switching from fruit and vegetables in Stirling and the wider Forth Valley pockets of poverty in the region. In 2016 to processed products.43 The price difference Stirling had a larger share of the 20% most between more healthy foods and less healthy area; this initiative would benefit both deprived data zones in Scotland than it did foods is widening,44 with price regularly consumers and local food businesses in 2012.37 Although a growing population described as the most important determinant and changes in boundaries had an impact.38 of food choices, nutritional quality of the such as ours. “ The index also outlines areas of deep-rooted diet is compromised. People on low incomes deprivation, which have consistently been spend a greater proportion of their income Susan Rodger, Knockraich Farm Orchard among the 5% most deprived in Scotland since on food, around 18-23%, compared to the SIMD began in 2004, including Raploch around 10% for those on a higher income. in Stirling. In rural Stirling, there are hidden However, the quality of the diet for those on pockets of deprivation, where food poverty and low incomes is still poorer, with the relatively social isolation are affecting people’s lives, but higher costs of a healthy diet representing a support services are less accessible. barrier to its consumption.45

People on low incomes spend a greater proportion of their income on food:

Low income food spend: High income food spend: 18-23% of wage 10% of wage See references on pages 55-56.

Good Food Stirling 24 Good Food Stirling 25 SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE

What’s already happening? Ideas from around the world There are a number of projects and initiatives in Stirling to support people and families with In Canada, working for a socially just food system has been transformation for a community. low incomes to access sufficient, nutritious food, which are mitigating the impact of food poverty, but are not long-term solutions. The Stop: Making food the centre of community46

Start up Stirling institutionalized, and the significant problem The Stop is a community food hub, in Toronto, Stop provides a space for parents to get Canada. It is a provider of emergency food together, stimulating the development of Start-Up Stirling has been supporting homeless of insufficient incomes for a standard of living parcels, but has established numerous other community support in the area. people in Stirling for 23 years, and in October that affords secure access to enough nutritious programmes that mean it is seen as a space 2012 set up Stirling’s first food bank. By food being left to charities to deal with. The Stop organises a Farmers’ Market, for community and learning, rather than the attracting over 1500 people each Saturday summer 2014, they had opened three food In January 2016, Start-Up began a Beyond the stigmatising association with food poverty. with local, organic and artisanal produce. banks to meet the growing need for emergency Food Bank project, which focus on education, In addition to providing market spaces that food provision, as people’s budgets were community development and providing In addition to the food bank hampers, there is support local producers, The Stop directly squeezed by government austerity and pathways to further support. This is in a drop-in café offering delicious breakfast and spent $123,000 on local food from Ontario changes to the social security system. In 2016 recognition that emergency food can mitigate lunches, including artisan sourdough loaves, farmers and distributors in 2015, boosting they supported 1,900 people with 103,000 but not solve crises. all made on site. Anyone can come and enjoy emergency meals. a nutritious meal, and at the same time attend the local food economy. workshops, film screenings, arts & crafts and At the heart of the Start-Up Stirling service Salvation Army The Stop is a crucial support, especially to cooking demonstrations. is an ambition to offer some temporary The Salvation Army provides an afternoon those at the sharp end of poverty and social relief in very difficult circumstances, through meal for 35-50 people every weekday, 52 There are cooking programmes, including a exclusion. However, embedded in their nourishing people – not only with food, but weeks a year. They serve a three course meal men’s group and a Latino group, which provide work is a commitment to tackling the root causes of inequality, as well as mitigating also by listening and providing a space for and give everybody two pieces of fruit to take safe and inclusive spaces for people to learn the consequences. The Community Action community. Recognising that there is a lot of away. The food is predominantly sourced new skills and feel part of a community. There Programme empowers members of the stigma associated with a charity-model of food through Booker wholesaler, with the meat is a community garden, a tool lending library, community experiencing poverty and provision, Start-Up Stirling prioritises a dignified coming from a local farm. gardening workshops, free seedlings and marginalization through building support approach, and let the service be continually community seed exchange, to help everyone Again, the organisers would like to live in networks, raising political consciousness and shaped by the ideas of the people who use it. get growing. a society where the service wasn’t needed. taking action. They work closely with Stirling Citizen Advice However, in recent years the more and more There is a state of the art 3,000 square foot The Stop is an example of how building Bureau (and a range of other local statutory people have come to rely on these meals as greenhouse growing a variety of produce, community around food can have multiple and third sector agencies) who refer people a key source of food, with benefit sanctions which supports the programmes, the food bank, benefits. They have placed dignity and to the Food Bank and provide advice for other and inadequate rehabilitation services sited as and volunteers with fresh organic vegetables. social justice at the heart of their work, services and outreach. plausible causes. The Stop also provides specific support for with impressive consequences. 91% of The extent of public concern about food There is a strong community around the families and young people. There is a Healthy participants said they belong to a community insecurity is evidenced by the support Start- meals, which have been running Monday- Beginnings Programme offering pre- and at The Stop, and 84% of participants made Up Stirling receives from the local community. Friday for the past 17 years. post-natal support for women, and a peer-led healthy changes to their diets because of The vast majority of their food donations come breastfeeding café. The Food Family Fun at the something they learned at The Stop. from the general public, 63,000 kg of food in Food and fun in the holidays 2016. In addition, Start-Up received £15,000 Stirling Council is working on a new initiative in 2015 and £25,000 in 2016 for their Feed to ensure children are getting enough a Family for Christmas appeal. This financial nutritious food during the school holidays, support allowed not only a delicious Christmas providing a place for children and families to food parcel, but supports Start-Up Stirling to come together, play games and share meals. purchase meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables The Council, in partnership with Start Up to ensure people are receiving plenty of fresh, Stirling and Forth Environment Link, is nutritious food throughout the year. developing a new programme of leisure and There is some disquiet (within the organisation activity-based support for families with food at and outside of it) about the service becoming its core.

Photos © thestop.org See references on page 56.

Good Food Stirling 26 Good Food Stirling 27 SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE

Start Up Stirling Next steps for Stirling Stirling Food Assembly • Stirling Council to invest in a food and drink team who will work with departments across the Council as well as public bodies and communities, to ensure a joined-up approach to the progressive realisation of the right to food. • Stirling Council should use procurement standards to promote the living wage, as well as working with employers across the food sector to ensure incomes are adequate for accessing enough nutritious food. • Ensure that all agencies are promoting Healthy Start vouchers, and work with Stirling Food Assembly, Stirling Farmers’ Markets and other possible distribution systems, to support local Where are we going? producers and farmers to accept Healthy Start By 2030, Stirling’s food system can guarantee In addition, mechanisms are needed that vouchers and make local, fresh, nutritious food that everybody in society is able to eat well. can facilitate access to nutritious food, accessible for those on low incomes. This means incomes are adequate for people when disposable income is lacking. This • Make spaces available for community meals to be able to access nutritious food with choice holds potential for a more structural and community growing, and support agencies, and dignity, and that mechanisms are in place transformation of the food system; rather organisations and volunteers to develop the so that nobody is anxious about where the next than providing income to participate in community food sector so that everyone in meal is coming from, nobody trades down on the current food system, with its high Stirling knows of a growing project and regular quality of food due to budget constraints or toll in public and environmental health, community meal near them. relies on charity to access basic foodstuffs. mechanisms can be used to reconfigure the system by directly supporting There are broadly two ways in which the right to producers, promoting healthy food, and food can be realised. The first approach focuses favouring environmentally friendly food on income, ensuring that everyone has adequate production. money. This crucially facilitates access to food with choice and dignity. Raising the national Fundamentally, both increasing incomes for minimum wage to the living wage and aligning the poorest in society and exploring other social security entitlements with minimum ways of guaranteeing dignified access to Support from the community income standards are key interventions needed sufficient, nutritious food are necessary to to ensure that everyone can access food. realise the right to food. “I would much rather there was not a need in Stirlingshire for our food bank services but whilst there is we will continue “Stirling recognizes “We believe that access to sufficient to strive, with the support of our local community, to ensure that encouraging nutritious food is a basic human right that those who find themselves in crisis can be supported with growth and reducing and that no one in a nation that is the offer of a listening ear along with food with our end to poverty is a single as rich as Scotland should have to end provision delivered in as dignified a manner as possible.” agenda.” access food banks” Linda Sterry, Project Coordinator, Start-Up Stirling. Stirling City Deal, Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, November 2016 Social Security and Equalities, February 2016

Good Food Stirling 28 Good Food Stirling 29 HEALTH

Health “Dietary-related diseases are in decline, as is the environmental impact of our food consumption.”

What’s the issue?

In Scotland all dietary goals have been Scotland currently spends almost £1 billion missed every year since reporting began in annually, or £100,000 every hour, on 2001.47 Unhealthy diets are a consequence diabetes, 80% of this goes on managing of unhealthy food environments. The food avoidable complications. There is a growing environment is the physical and social body of evidence linking food insecurity surroundings that influence what we eat. with increased healthcare costs, and robust It has been described as an obesogenic arguments that interventions to reduce food environment because it is very easy to eat insecurity could offset considerable public expenditure in healthcare.52 unhealthily, and harder to eat healthily in Scotland today.48 74% of Scots said that the Diet can have a profound and ongoing most convenient food to buy outside of the impact on health; studies are associating Stirling Food Assembly customers home is usually the least healthy.49 nutrition in childhood with health later in life. For example, breastfeeding provides some The food environment is not constant across all protection against childhood overweight and protects against coronary heart disease powerful tool to help vulnerable people, bring segments of society. From adverts specifically obesity.53 Breastfeeding provides babies with and cardiovascular disease. Vegetable diverse communities together and encourage targeted at children, to increased exposure to a complete source of nutrients, containing consumption has also been linked to healthier and greener lifestyles.60 Similarly to unhealthy food in deprived communities, the immunological substances that cannot be protection against type 2 diabetes and certain physical health, initiatives such as community physical and social food environment intersects manufactured.54 Less than half of babies in 58 gardens that can treat and prevent mental with other factors, such as income, to increase Stirling had been breastfed at all at the 6-8 types of cancer. health problems can generate substantive the risk of certain groups to overweight and week review, with only 34.2% exclusively There is also growing evidence that diet 50 55 savings for the NHS and create broader diet-related diseases. breastfed. Similarly, poor diet in childhood plays a significant role in our mental health. financial and economic outcomes along with Being overweight or obese is the most increases the chances of suffering from a A diet that provides adequate amounts of range of chronic conditions later in life.56 In social and wellbeing ones.61 significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. In complex carbohydrates, essential fats, amino Stirling, 19% of P1 children are overweight, March 2014, 3963 people in Stirling were acids, vitamins and minerals and water, can Exercise supports healthy lifestyles; however, with an overall child obesity weight of 7.6%, registered with diabetes51 and this figure help promote a balanced mood and feelings it is not a solution to obesity or associated below the Scottish average of 9.8%.57 is likely to have increased. If current trends of wellbeing.59 Furthermore, involvement in diseases. The type and amount of calories continue, almost one tenth of the population Increased consumption of vegetables, with communities and spending time outdoors consumed are far more influential in will be living with diabetes by 2035. NHS a greater variety of vegetables in the diet, can promote good mental health and act as a determining weight.62

In March 2014 Only 34.2% Diet plays vegetables 3963 people a significant role in the diet protects against of babies in Stirling are in our mental health coronary heart disease and in Stirling exclusively breastfed cardiovascular disease were registered with diabetes

See references on page 56. See references on pages 56-57.

Good Food Stirling 30 Good Food Stirling 31 HEALTH HEALTH

What’s already happening? Ideas from around the world In Stirling, there are initiatives that use Scottish Grocers Federation – Across the water, there are states in the introduction of a fruit and vegetable food as a way to build skills and develop Healthy Living Award US that have taken bold action to improve prescription programme. This enables community; transform the food environment; The SGF are engaging with their members to the accessibility of fruit and vegetables for and improve all round health and wellbeing. doctors to give prescriptions to those at increase the range, quality and affordability of those on low incomes. risk of diet-related diseases, which can fresh produce and other healthier products Sunlite Café be exchanged at the farmers’ markets from across categories in convenience retail Wholesome Wave for fresh fruits and vegetables. With a Sunlite Café is a local mental health stores across Scotland, with a particular focus Wholesome Wave is an organisation that is prescription, people get $30-40 a week to charity that has been running for 21 years, in areas of deprivation. supporting people to gain confidence, job about ensuring that everybody – regardless spend on fruit and vegetables. skills and life skills. Stirling has 87 convenience stores, which are of income – has access to local, fresh food. participating in the Healthy Living Award. This According to founder and CEO Michel Rose Vouchers There is a basic commercial kitchen, where programme represents a positive approach Nischan ‘food can fix everything’. service users and staff work together making There are now initiatives in the UK taking a freshly prepared food, with the menu changing of matching what is sold in shops to what we Initiatives include sourcing private investment similar approach, Rose Vouchers are being each day. There is also a garden, in its second should be eating; however, it could be scaled to double the value of food stamps when piloted in London to support families spent at farmers’ markets on locally season and supplying some of the fruit, and improved to create a real transformation on low incomes with vouchers purchase grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative vegetables and herbs that are used in the café. of the food environment. fresh fruit and vegetables at participating demonstrated conclusively that improving the The Sunlite Café is linked into other initiatives retailers including street markets, fruit and affordability of fruit and vegetables means in the community. For example, it supplies veg stalls and veg box schemes. The Daily Mile people on low incomes make healthier food home-cooked soup to Start-Up Stirling, with The Daily Mile was started in St Ninians Primary choices. It also provides a boost to local Families collect their Rose Vouchers excellent feedback. They also make soup for a School in Stirling. Now children in schools farmers, and by extension the whole local at their local children’s centre. This local church community meal, and make jams across the UK are spending 15 minutes running food economy. More money is invested into and chutneys from local produce. encourages them to use other health or walking one mile every day. farm infrastructure, more people employed and wellbeing activities that are on offer, In the last four years, 40-50 service users have and more land placed into production to such as breastfeeding support, weaning been involved, with 10 of them going on to Studies have shown increased levels of meet the demand for fresh local food. workshops and play groups. There are also paid employment or further education – many wellbeing and improved attainment resulting Wholesome Wave has also been working cook and taste sessions, to develop skills in the food sector. from the regular physical activity. with healthcare professionals on the and confidence around food and cooking.

Photo © www.wholesomewave.org

Good Food Stirling 32 Good Food Stirling 33 HEALTH HEALTH

Where are we going? “We have put regeneration Next steps for Stirling By 2030, Stirling’s whole environment at the heart of this project, could be promoting health. From outside • A weekly covered market with a subsidy scheme (such as Healthy Start) for families on in the high street to inside schools and ensuring that the health low incomes. This supports everyone to access local, fresh, high-quality food as well as community centres, the food offer makes it and wellbeing needs and increasing the incomes of local farmers. easy to eat well. • Improve awareness around the positive effects of breastfeeding and normalise it in the local employment aspirations of community. Every café, restaurant and workplace in Stirling to be badged ‘breastfeeding- Food is seen as a priority, every child eats friendly’. enough nutritious food each day to facilitate our most disadvantaged • Support community cafés with transport services, which can collect and drop off the elderly learning and fun, minimising the attainment gap. people and others who have mobility issues, so they can enjoy nutritious communal meals The growing elderly population is supported communities are met.” that support physical and mental health. with access to nutritious food, and everyone Stirling City Deal in between knows has reliable access to high • Introduce a limit to unhealthy food outlets, where no more than one in ten premises can be 63 quality, tasty and nutritious healthy food. a takeaway in any single district. • Work with local health authorities to introduce fruit and vegetables on prescription, as well Food is part of a broader agenda to create as working with GPs to signpost to community growing and cooking projects that support healthy and sustainable urban environments; “There is common agreement physical and psychosocial health. planning policies provide land for allotments 64 and community growing, as well as promoting that ‘prevention is better than • Ensure that Stirling’s new Care Village has an exemplary food environment, as well as an active travel, ensuring all the infrastructure is in cure’ both for the individual on-site growing project in the grounds with the mind and body benefits widely promoted. place for healthy lifestyles. and communities concerned and in the longer term for public finances: prevention is usually more cost effective.”

Stirling Community Planning Partnership Support from the community Lettuce from Tomnaha Market Garden “The time and effort that local volunteers are willing to give community projects has always amazed me. It’s easy to get people interested when you are talking about food. Everyone eats. I know now that to make something last and to make something work, we must have the community on board. They help shape the service and they are the ones who engage with family and friends to make sure more people get involved and use the service.”

Tracy Gibson, Community Development Worker, Tullibody Healthy Living

See references on page 57.

Good Food Stirling 34 Good Food Stirling 35 Environment “Scottish producers ensure that what they produce is increasingly healthy and environmentally sound.”

What’s the issue? The environmental impact of our food including a 77% reduction in kestrels, 58% supply also provides an urgent imperative fewer lapwings and 49% fewer curlews.68 for making significant changes.W ithout Agriculture is the major cause of soil transforming how we do food we cannot compaction. Soil compaction results in poorer make the progress needed to tackle climate conditions for plant growth; contributes to change, support wildlife and use natural soil erosion; and reduces the drainage of resources sustainably. water through the soil and ability of soil to 69 Agriculture and related-land use accounts store water. Healthy well-functioning soils for 23.4% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas are crucial to reducing the risk of floods and emissions.65 Crop production relies heavily maintaining our capacity to grow food into 70 on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, with the future. 3,100 residential properties and considerable impact on ecosystems, with 660 non-residential properties within the Forth approximately 1,600 to 1,700 tonnes of Local Plan District were identified as being at 71 pesticide active substances used in Scottish risk of flooding. 66 agriculture each year. In addition to direct Devastatingly, the environmental damage contamination, these chemicals are also inherent in our current model of food found in various concentrations outside the production is often for nothing. Over one third treated area. The run off into surrounding soil of the food produced, prepared and sold for and water sources provides multiple routes human consumption is never eaten. Stirling for chronic exposure, to the detriment of households produce approximately 9,900 67 ecosystems and wildlife health. tonnes of food waste each year.72 Diffuse pollution and the loss of natural In spite of the links between agriculture, habitats due to agriculture have an impact on climate change and biodiversity, changing Scotland’s biodiversity. Birds are considered the way we produce and consume food does to offer a good indication of the health of not feature in Stirling Local Authority’s Climate an ecosystem; in Scotland nine species of Ready Stirling and draft Stirling Biodiversity once common birds have seriously declined, Action Plan.

Agriculture and related-land Stirling households produce use accounts for approximately 23.4% of Scotland’s 9,900 tonnes greenhouse gas emissions of food waste each year See references on page 57. Old Leckie Farm chickens Good Food Stirling 36 Good Food Stirling 37 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

What’s already happening? The Carse of Stirling Partnership Management and carbon, Heritage and Sense The Carse of Stirling Partnership (CoSP) is a of Place and Recreation and Access. Projects In Stirling, there are a number of farmers locally and the meat is all sold locally. grassroots partnership of local stakeholders: undertaken include: practicing environmental stewardship whilst Here is an example of small scale beef farmers, land managers, tourism and • Working with schools to raise awareness of running successful businesses. There is also production that has the lowest possible recreation businesses and community and take practical steps on environmental a network of farmers in the Carse of Stirling impact on greenhouse gas emissions as representatives. It promotes good ideas for issues, such as learning about clover and promoting collaboration. well as carbon footprint. This farming is the benefit of the local economy, the natural nitrogen, and bees and pollination. well adapted to the low wet ground of environment and the people who live and visit • Talking to farmers about wildlife, Agri-tourism at West Moss-side the Carse. the area. It was initiated in response to climate change through support by SNH and SEPA and identified a need through these Organic Farm and Centre She has renovated a steading to create conversations of a better advisory service Kate Sankey has developed a diversified farm a space for workshops, exhibitions and In 2013 the CoSP produced a detailed and more collaboration. business. The farm is located in the heart of the meetings of all sorts. Lunches and all action plan, outlining a vision for the Carse Carse of Stirling and includes part of Flanders refreshments are locally sourced and of Stirling to be ‘recognised as a place that • Commissioning a report on flooding, Moss National Nature Reserve. The Shetland home cooked. The catering kitchen is delivers a broad range of benefits in terms which was community–led and outlines 10 cattle are one of the main products from the used by local businesses. of the products we get from the land, the measures to mitigate flooding. farm. They are a very rare breed which are small regulation of our environment, its contribution • Mapping and surveying walking and cycling In the summer there are three luxury and hardy and in the summer graze the high to culture and our quality of life and its role in routes. glamping yurts, visitors love to see the moss and so are contributing to the conservation supporting plant and animal life.’ cows and calves. Guests can order a • Developing a Sense of Place project to raise of an internationally important habitat. welcome hamper of local produce, Since then, there have been four working awareness of the amazing story of the Carse The cattle are 99% ‘grass’ fed (haylage in the including West Moss-side organic groups – Farming and Wildlife, Flood of Stirling. winter), they are slaughtered and butchered Shetland beef.

Ideas from around the world France is mainstreaming a new approach to In addition, it establishes cross-sector food production, and seeing agroecology as groups called ‘Groupements d’Intéret a win-win situation, improving the prosperity Economiques et Environmentaux’ of farmers and looking after the environment. (GIEE). These are an opportunity for different stakeholders to come France’s Law of the Future: together at a local level to promote Promoting Agroecology collaboration and effective management In 2014 France introduced a new law of environmental resources. These promoting agroecology. The Loi d’Avenir groups are also intended as spaces for has a headline target of implementing innovation, sharing of best practice and agroecological production methods on networking. 200,000 holdings by 2025. Over 200 new researchers and tutors have been employed to France’s approach to agricultural teach agroecology as a core part of the national policy is to addresses environmental agricultural educational programme, including and economic challenges together, crop diversity and biodiversity, with the tagline promoting approaches that are of the policy “produisons autrement” (let us environmentally sustainable and produce in other ways). supportive of rural development.

Kate Sankey, West Moss-Side

Good Food Stirling 38 Good Food Stirling 39 ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

Where are we going? Next steps for Stirling By 2030, Stirling’s food system can be carbon- • Take a cross-sectoral approach, and integrate ambitions for a sustainable food system into neutral, enhancing the region’s biodiversity Stirling’s Climate Change Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan. and contributing to climate change mitigation • Use Stirling’s new urban farm to demonstrate the potential of agroecological farming to use and adaptation. Integrating woodlands and resources sustainably, enhance wildlife and produce a variety of delicious food. forests with forage and livestock production • Increase the provision of land for food production; Stirling Council could invest in land and systems can result in significant carbon and provide long-term, secure tenancies to local food producers using environmentally friendly greenhouse gas emission savings. Other production methods. benefits of agroforesty systems include carbon • Aim for 5% of Region 1 agricultural land in Stirling in organic management by 2020, with sequestration, reductions in soil erosion and 20% by 2030. leaching, and biodiversity enhancement.73 • Set a target to become a Local Authority leader in reducing food waste; use the Individual 74 An emphasis on education and cooperation Social Material framework to engage stakeholders across sectors in identifying strategies can support farmers in the region to transition to reduce food waste, and explore options such as energy generation, new products, and improved connections along the supply chain. to agroecological food production (including agroforestry), using techniques that work with • Cease the use of neonicotonoids and glyphosate on all public access land to protect bee and insect populations. the natural environment and use resources sustainably. • Normalise high-quality, sustainable food with all public meals from schools to local authority buildings featuring 15% organic food, and showcasing healthy, delicious meals. Break up The public sector can lead by example, breaking procurement contracts to facilitate participation from local farms and food businesses. procurement contracts up and providing a • Look for opportunities to transition to low-carbon methods of food production, processing, market for small-scale environmentally friendly and retail. For example, integrating local right-sized processing facilities with sustainable farmers and food businesses. energy production. • Promote the Carse of Stirling partnership and more broadly, partnership working between Stirling Local Authority, SEPA, SNH, farmers, land managers and businesses to prioritise protecting soils and reduce flood risk to the region.

“The health and productivity See references on page 57. of ecosystems underpins agriculture which is essential Tomnaha greenhouse for livelihood and food security. Support from the community Reducing vulnerability and “We want to make Stirling and the Forth Valley a place that building resilience in the natural “Our aim is for Stirling people want to visit because of the quality of food products environment will therefore help to become a leader in on offer and the ease with which it is possible to connect with to reduce vulnerability and build climate resilience and for the products and producers.” resilience for society.” us all to work together - organisations, individuals and Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, Programme Manager, Forth Valley and Lomond Leader. Climate Ready Scotland, May 2014 communities - to create a safer, cleaner, greener “Foragers is a fledgling business in the process of establishing a future for everyone.” small sustainable family farm from scratch on our 4 acre site.

Stirling Climate Action Plan, Biodiversity is very much at the heart of our project.” September 2016 Gary McAlpine, Foragers Foods See references on page 57.

Good Food Stirling 40 Good Food Stirling 41 Duncan McEwan, Monitor Farm, Arnprior with his daughter Knowledge “Other countries look to Scotland to learn how to become a Good Food Nation.”

What’s the issue?

Although it can’t necessarily be borne out environment. Connections between different with hard statistics, we hear again and again actors in the food system are limited and Stirling that we have ‘lost connection with our food’. does not have a joined-up strategy for food. Newspapers report that children could not correctly identify vegetables, or where Production meat comes from.75 Farmers, and the local There are some interesting programmes, which community around them, are not eating food support farmers to think differently and help from the farm, rather buying it packaged in assess their business options. For example, plastic from supermarket shelves. Parents the Monitor Farm Programme76 establishes aren’t passing on cooking skills; it is said we a group of farms to explore ways to improve have a ‘lost generation’ who can’t prepare profitability, productivity and sustainability meals from fresh ingredients. through practical demonstrations, the sharing These problems stem from the way we have of best practice and the discussion of up- conceptualized food since the mid-twentieth to-date issues. Farmers in Stirling have also century. Successive policies nationally and participated in the Scottish Government’s Rural globally have treated food as a commodity; Leadership Programme,77 which has supported rather than thinking about food as a human innovation, diversification and networking with right and a cultural asset, we have focused on others involved in the rural economy. production and markets, with a narrative that Despite these – and other – good examples of we must produce enough calories to feed the support for producers to innovate and include world. This has led to a fundamentally distorted wider environmental and social considerations food system, and a number of the issues in their businesses; they do not reach the outlined previously in this report, including Catering Food Governance majority of farmers. over one third of food being wasted, hunger With Stirling Council and other public bodies Whilst there are local plans considering many and obesity simultaneously causing suffering, To generate the changes in farming practices facing extremely tight budgets, public sector of the issues related to food – from economic and producing food in a way that compromises needed for a sustainable food system, catering has needed to focus on meeting development, health, climate change, our ability to do so in the future, can be traced opportunities for learning and development nutritional requirements efficiently. biodiversity – there is no Food Strategy for back to viewing food solely as a commodity. and sharing experiences need to be accessible Meal times are not given importance in Stirling, which joins these issues together. as well as financially attractive and practical At the moment education and training schools, in many of Stirling’s secondary Without an effective local strategy and related to the food system is not future- in order for farmers to engage. Exploring schools lunchtime is only 35-40 minutes long governance, it is large corporations that hold focused or sufficient to catalyse the necessary peer learning, as is promoted in France’s and dining halls have under 40% capacity, so the most influence in Stirling’s food system, transformation. The way we treat food in Agroecology programme (see page x), is students are rushed through. This does not with priorities often different to those that our public spaces does not demonstrate its an important way to ensure the transition is promote a sense that meal times are valuable are appropriate and important for Stirling’s importance in all of our lives, or our collective empowering and enjoyable for farmers. for personal and social nourishment. population and environment.

See references on page 57.

Good Food Stirling 42 Good Food Stirling 43 KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE

What’s already happening? Soil Association Scotland’s ‘Food Arnprior Farm for Life’ programme Duncan and Rebecca at Arnprior Farm have There are a number of initiatives looking The Food for Life Scotland programme made engagement with the community to address these challenges. Farmers are engages with schools and nurseries across integral to their farm business. Having taken opening their gates to the public to see and Stirling; encouraging a whole-settings part in the Monitor Farm Programme as well smell real food production; communities approach to food, which is designed to as the Rural Leadership Programme, they are coming together to share food skills provide a bridge between education and had some more resources to think differently from growing to cooking; and schools are catering. Complementing the Food for about farming. Alongside their traditional committing to giving food more space. Life Catering Mark award, the programme farming activities, growing oats, keeping provides a Framework for life-long learning; sheep and a bed and breakfast service for re-connecting learners with their food, and cattle, they are focusing efforts on education Braehead Community Garden promoting good food experiences through about food. Braehead Community Garden aims to create a a ‘soil to plate’ learning approach. Support In the autumn, they run a pick your own village in the city, and bring a strong sense of is provided in a number of ways; from up- pumpkin activity, selling 4,000 pumpkins in community to the area. skilling teaching and catering practitioners 2016, with people digging for turnips and to empower them with the confidence and It is a space where there is always somebody potatoes too because it was so popular. In the practical skills to share knowledge and weave about, whether you’ve got a question about spring, they open the farm gates again for the together the myriad issues associated with growing carrots, or just want to have a cup of general public to get a first-hand experience food, to a suite of online resources available to tea with your neighbours, it offers different of the lambing process. all teaching and catering practitioners. types of membership to suit everyone. Both the pumpkins and lambing allow families Soil Association Scotland have found From the 8,000 people in the Braehead area, to discover for themselves more about where there is often a great deal of expertise food comes from. Again, the popularity of there are 140 members, and probably around within educational settings and their wider these experiences is testament to widespread 1000 people have spent time in the garden communities, and people who are passionate interest in being more connected to and for one activity or another. about different aspects of food, whether it’s knowledgeable about our food. The volunteers who keep it all going talk growing, cooking, or enjoying and celebrating about the ‘whole journey’ – from putting a mealtimes, and the programme encourages seed in the ground to a big community bbq the sharing and inclusion of the wider with freshly picked salads – and how much fun community to make the most of this diversity it is to do things together. of skills. The Food for Life approach also encourages Skill sharing at the garden happens naturally, settings to explore how food can deliver with a diverse community from all walks of life, across the whole of Curriculum for Excellence, and all parts of the world, sharing knowledge as well as on key priority areas in education, about growing and enthusiasm about eating. from Raising Attainment, Health & Wellbeing Children from local clubs spend time in to Learning for Sustainability and Developing the garden, smelling tasting, planting, and the Young Workforce. Settings exemplify learning first-hand where food comes from. their activities through the sharing of stories on www.foodforlifescotland.org; providing a At Braehead the vision is that in 20 years repository for inspiration and ideas, which can time, it is normal to grow and eat with your be accessed by a wider audience. neighbours, and food has regained its central place in the fabric of Scottish communities. They have been working with other community gardens to share good ideas and Allan Primary School on a visit support where they can.

Good Food Stirling 44 Good Food Stirling 45 KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE

Ideas from around the world Where are we going? “The tool of hospitality is By 2030, Stirling can create a strong food probably the most important Denmark is establishing a food culture unemployed people. 83% of the people culture, where everyone knows where that values the provenance of food, with who participate in this training programme their food comes from and consideration tool we have.” public kitchens are leading by example. go on to employment. is given to the impact on the environment, the wellbeing of workers and the nutritional Anya Hultberg, organic conversion House of Food and Organic conversion in Pupils also get involved with working alongside catering staff to prepare their content of the food. Communal meals can specialist, Copenhagen Copenhagen: ‘Swapping the scissors for own school meals; thus up-skilling the next also support a healthy society, and provide a knives’ generation. space for connecting to each other. In Copenhagen, 88% of the food served in The Danish method for converting to public kitchens is organic. This has been Knowledge about food is integrated across “The Scottish Government organic, without increasing food budgets, achieved without any increases in the food disciplines, with better understanding of food’s is by letting seasonal produce dictate the wants food to be a key part budget for public kitchens; instead they role in society, our environment, our health, menus. They use more seasonal greens, and our economy. of what makes the people changed the culture of public meals. Rather more potatoes, and more grains, pulses than substitute organic ingredients for non- and lentils. Baking their own bread and of Scotland proud of their organic ingredients, changes were made to cake, less processed foods, and less and the way meals were cooked, thought about better meat. country.” and planned. There is also awareness that a huge part of Good Food Nation Policy Training programmes run by the House of the meal has nothing to do with the food Food for those working in public sector or the cooking, and the cultural shift is kitchens focused on a cultural shift in how also about the environment at meal times. cooks think about their jobs, showing Giving adequate time to meals, providing that their work is respected and valued. a pleasant atmosphere and a sense that They spend time on local organic farms, meals are important is a big part of the reestablishing connections with food as change. well as building more skills in cooking from In Copenhagen the target is to reach 90% scratch. The experience in Copenhagen organic food in public sector kitchens, but is that once people start on the journey, there is also a sense that this is the means they keep challenging themselves. While and not the end. Organic conversion will the cooks are away, the workload is help get to where we need to be on climate covered through a training programme for change, antibiotics, and supply chains.

Good Food Stirling 46 Good Food Stirling 47 KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE

Next steps for Stirling Summary of • Establish a joint good food procurement initiative between Stirling Council, Forth Valley Health Board, University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and public bodies such as SEPA recommendations and Zero Waste Scotland, to ensure all public meals are showcasing healthy, delicious and sustainably sourced meals. • Invest in a House of Food for Stirling, focusing on a cultural shift on how we approach public food, which empowers those in the public sector through an interdisciplinary training programme, including farm visits and food culture. This could be extended to include those Prosperity Social Justice who work with food in the private sector. Stimulate a shift to buying local Embed the right to food across • Every school should be linked to a local farm and/or community-growing project. Schools food, by making it accessible all local authority policies and should be encouraged to view mealtimes as a learning opportunity, where pupils explore geographically and financially: programmes: the provenance of what’s on their plates; reconnecting with their food and using the dining • A weekly covered market in a central • Invest in a food and drink team who can experience to enhance social skills; thus truly bringing the ‘soil to plate’ journey to life. location. work with departments across the council, • Support community projects with access to resources, such as land, transport services and • Pilot an extension of the Healthy Start as well as public bodies and communities to financial investment, to allow grassroots groups to reach their potential. scheme, to include all children up to the take a rights based approach to food, which age of 16, and link it more directly with means that food is accessible, adequate and local primary producers and processors, to available for everyone. support their livelihoods too. • Pilot a scheme that extends the existing • Break down public procurement contracts Healthy Start programme and ensures that Alison Younger to make it easier for local farmers to supply nobody is priced out of accessing a healthy Support from the community the public sector and thus develop stronger diet. local supply chains that can support the Promote the Living Wage: whole local food sector. “The Kippen school and our community • Promote the Living Wage through Producing more of what we eat in procurement standards and work with partners in the form of parents, Stirling and eating more of what we employers across the food sector to pay volunteers and the wider community have produce: the Living Wage, to ensure incomes are • Support farmers to switch to heritage wheat sufficient for an adequate standard of living. been working hard on developing our food varieties, which would be more resilient in education to raise awareness of local challenging environmental conditions, as well as facilitate a local bread supply chain. food initiatives and of the range of food • Make veg growing a priority in Stirling; produced locally.” reach out to farmers to consider switching some of their land to horticulture.

Fiona Stirling, Class teacher, Kippen Primary School, • Provide support, training, and opportunities to enhance cooperation for farmers in Stirling and stimulate a diverse and sustainable agricultural sector. “We see first hand the local interest and • Develop a Food Hub, which could function desire to be able to find out about local as a wholesaler for local food as well as a space for innovation and ideas. food, understand food production and • Use public sector catering to showcase source local food.” seasonal, healthy and sustainable meals.

Alison Younger, Old Leckie Farm, Stirling

Good Food Stirling 48 Good Food Stirling 49 KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE Jane and Kate, IQ Chocolate

Knowledge

Normalise high-quality, sustainable Support a diverse food culture, and food: soil to plate learning about food: • Establish a joint good food procurement • Make spaces available for community meals initiative between Stirling Council, Forth and community growing. Support agencies, Valley Health Board, University of Stirling, organisations and volunteers to develop the Forth Valley College and public bodies such community food sector so that everyone in as SEPA and Zero Waste Scotland, to ensure Stirling knows of a regular community meal all public meals are showcasing healthy, near them. delicious and sustainably sourced meals. • Every school should be linked to a local farm • Invest in a House of Food for Stirling, focusing and/or growing project, with involvement on a cultural shift on how we approach public from the school community and local food, which empowers those in the public experts to promote knowledge and passion sector through an interdisciplinary training about food. programme, including farm visits and food culture. This could be extended to include everyone who works with food.

Health Environment Gillian and David, Ardunan Farm Create a healthy food environment Transition to agroecological where its easy to eat well: food production: • Improve awareness around the positive • Use Stirling’s new urban farm effects of breastfeeding and normalise it in to demonstrate the potential of the local community. Every café, restaurant agroecological farming to use resources and workplace in Stirling to be badged sustainably, enhance wildlife and produce ‘breastfeeding-friendly’. a variety of delicious food. • Limit the number of fast food outlets in • Promote partnership working between any one district, and improve and extend Stirling Local Authority, farmers, land standards such as the Healthy Living Award managers and businesses to prioritise and the Healthcare Retail Standard to ensure protecting soils and reduce flood risk to the food offer in shops matches what we the region. should be eating. Become a Local Authority leader Ensure a joined-up approach to in reducing food waste: promoting health: • Use the ISM framework to engage • Work with local health authorities to introduce stakeholders across sectors in identifying fruit and vegetables on prescription, as well strategies to reduce food waste. as working with GPs to signpost to community • Promote local food processing and the growing and cooking projects that support development of new products, such as physical and mental health. turning good fruit and vegetables that • Support community cafés with transport would otherwise be wasted into soups, services, which can collect and drop off elderly juice and baby food. people and others who have mobility issues, so they can enjoy nutritious communal meals that support physical and mental health.

Good Food Stirling 50 Good Food Stirling 51 KNOWLEDGE

How will we know if it’s working? 79 Conclusion Although this report gives a picture of many A reduction in food insecurity aspects of Stirling’s food system, it by no • In Stirling today: 1,900 people rely on a means captures all of the issues related to food, food bank to survive a crisis. The future of Stirling’s food system is yet to be decided. We do know that things are set to or can provide all of the data that might be • In Stirling in 2030: Everybody has reliable change. The implications of Brexit for the food system are significant: it will not only affect relevant. Many things are difficult to measure, access to enough good food, with choice the system of farm subsidies, but also food prices, and the availability of seasonal agricultural and would require significant resources to do and dignity. labour. Added to this political instability are environmental challenges; food production so. However, there are also some indicators is vulnerable to the changing climate and degradation of natural resources; and social that can be used from data that is already (or A reduction in childhood challenges, with food insecurity a persistent issue and diseases relating to poor diets making will soon be) collected at a national level. overweight and obesity the NHS unsustainable. These are a few examples of what success • In Stirling today: 28% of children (aged 2-15) are at risk of overweight, including These challenges also represent a tremendous A Food Partnership, such as those exemplified would look like: 81 15% at risk of obesity. opportunity. They require everyone to think in the Sustainable Food Cities network, differently. Stirling could respond by aiming will facilitate strategic oversight, with food 78 • In Stirling in 2030: Every child is a healthy Increased accessibility of local food for better. Being proactive with the food touching on so many different issues weight. • In Stirling today: local food is niche, with system can establish a fresh trajectory – one and involving a wide variety of activities, limited visibility on the high street and no Leading Scotland in that values health and wellbeing, decent collaboration facilitates robust initiatives, mechanisms to support access for those on agroecological food production livelihoods, environmental stewardship and which together can create a fair, healthy and low incomes. an exciting culture. Stirling’s City Deal could sustainable food system in Stirling. Ensuring • In Stirling today: Limited integration transform the region in a way that feels real for resources reach those doing the work on the • In Stirling in 2030: Local food forms a core of food production into environmental everyone – through food. We all eat and food ground will be critical in enabling success. part of food shopping for everyone in Stirling strategies. and nobody is priced out of accessing fresh, can be at the heart of healthy local economies, Investment must be used to support projects • In Stirling in 2030: Stirling has a reputation local produce. well-nourished populations, and a thriving and programmes that are doing transforming for encouraging agroecology, with access environment. the food system at a grassroots level. to training and resources and a strong community of food producers who look There are many different ideas presented in Stirling has all the pieces of the puzzle. With after the environment. this report, and an important next step for established networks, skilled people, and Stirling is to establish a Food Partnership, investment entering the region, the means are Public procurement catalysing involving public bodies, businesses, producers there, while food insecurity, social dislocation, change and community groups, to take these ideas poor diets, and environmental degradation, • In Stirling today: Meals in schools, civic – and others – forward. Working closely with also provide the motive. With some visionary buildings, hospitals, care homes and those involved in the City Deal developments leadership and collaborative efforts, Stirling prisons do not support the local food will be important for embedding food into can demonstrate what it means to be a good economy or create a strong food culture. wider plans for inclusive growth in the region. with food. • In Stirling in 2030: All public sector kitchens have gone beyond Food for See references on page 57. Life Catering Mark Gold,80 with a high proportion of local and organic food served and meal times seen as a priority. Chicken and egg, Eggilicious

See references on page 57.

Mike Robbin, Stirling’s Provost, at the launch of Stirling Food Assembly. With Emily Harvey, Kate Sankey, Clara Walker (FEL), Judith McGowan (Tomnaha Market Garden), Rebecca McEwan (Arnprior Farm) and Stirling Food Assembly Customers.

Good Food Stirling 52 Good Food Stirling 53 22 This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, 32 Scotland the Bread (2015), Building References but reflects the majority of Stirling’s local a Home-grown grain economy, 1 Throughout this report Stirling will be used 9 CPRE (2012), From Field to Fork http://www. food processing for the grocery market. It http://www.breadmatters.com/ to signify the whole of Stirling Local Authority cpre.org.uk/resources/farming-and-food/ does not include local food manufacturers index.php?route=information/ area. Stirling has a population of 92,830, with local-foods/item/2897-from-field-to-fork in neighbouring regions who supply to information&information_id=16 [accessed around 65% of people living in the City of [accessed 17.02.17] Stirling or in-house processing in cafes and 17.02.17] Stirling and neighbouring urban areas and restaurants. 10 Scottish Government (2016), Scottish 33 Scotland the Bread (2016), An Innovative 35% in the rural area. http://www.stirling. Agricultural Statistics 23 Mobile abattoirs were developed in Mill for Scottish Grain, http://www. gov.uk/__documents/temporary-uploads/ Sweden and are now being brought to scotlandthebread.org/an-innovative-mill-for- employment,-community-_and_-youth/ 11 Nomis (2015), Official Labour Market other places, for example France: http:// special-grain/ [accessed 17.02.17] communitiesteam_outcomes_partners_ Statistics, https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/ www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry- 34 WRAP (2012), Household Food and Drink evidenceoverview.pdf [accessed 17.02.17] reports/lmp/la/1946157434/report.aspx Markets/France-powers-up-Sweden-s- waste in the UK, http://www.wrap.org.uk/ [accessed 17.02.17] mobile-abattoir [accessed 17.02.17] 2 Stirling was officially awarded a City Deal sites/files/wrap/hhfdw-2012-main.pdf.pdf by the UK Government in November 2016, 12 ONS (2015), How many jobs are paid less 24 Mungoswells Malt and Milling, https://www. 35 Many thanks to Andrew Whitley from after 18 months of preparations. http:// than the living wage in your area? http:// mungoswells.co.uk/, [accessed 17.02.17] Scotland the Bread for support with these www.investinstirling.com/why-stirling/ visual.ons.gov.uk/how-many-jobs-are-paid- calculations. city-development-framework/ [accessed less-than-the-living-wage-in-your-area/ 25 An example of a collaborative approach to growing, buying and selling is Manchester 17.02.17] [accessed 17.02.17] 36 Independent working group on food Veg People: http://kindling.org.uk/ poverty (2016), Dignity: Ending Hunger 3 Scottish Government (2014), Good Food 13 Scottish Government (2015), Zero projects/manchester-veg-people [accessed together in Scotland, http://www.gov.scot/ Nation Policy, http://www.gov.scot/Topics/ Hours Contracts, http://www.gov.scot/ 17.02.17] Publications/2016/06/8020 [accessed Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national- Resource/0049/00497685.pdf [accessed 22.02.17] strategy/good-food-nation [accessed 17.02.17] 26 Many thanks to Professor Geoff Squire and colleagues of the Agroecology Group at 17.02.17] 37 Scottish Government (2016), The Scottish 14 Citizens UK (2017), Living Wage Employers, the James Hutton Institute for support with Index for Multiple Deprivation 2016, http:// 4 United Nations (2015), Sustainable http://www.livingwagemovement.org/map this project and producing this map. www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00504809.pdf Development Goals, http://www.un.org/ [accessed 17.02.17] [accessed 17.02.17] sustainabledevelopment/sustainable- 27 WWF (2017), LiveWell, https://www.wwf. 15 Extrapolated from the Scotland data set org.uk/what-we-do/area-of-work/making- development-goals/ [accessed 17.02.17] 38 Stirling Community Planning (2013), for 2014 in DEFRA (2016), Family Food food-sustainable [accessed 17.02.17] http://www.stirling.gov.uk/__documents/ 5 Stirling Council (2016), City Development Statistics, https://www.gov.uk/government/ temporary-uploads/assets-_and_-support/ Framework, http://www.investinstirling.com/ statistical-data-sets/family-food-datasets 28 WHO (2003), Promoting Fruit and stirling-tackling-poverty-framework.pdf why-stirling/city-development-framework/ [accessed 17.02.17] Vegetable Consumption around the World, [accessed 17.02.17] [accessed 17.02.17] http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/ 16 Predominantly compiled from the Stirling fruit/en/ [accessed 17.02.17] 39 ONS (2015), Families and Households: 6 Campaign to Protect Rural England (2012), Council register of food businesses. 2014, https://www.ons.gov.uk/ From Field to Fork: the Value of England’s 29 Food Foundation (2016), Veg Factfile, 17 Interview with Professor Sparks, October peoplepopulationandcommunity/ Food webs, http://www.cpre.org.uk/ http://foodfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/ 2016. birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/ resources/farming-and-food/local-foods/ uploads/2016/11/FF-Veg-Doc-V5.pdf familiesandhouseholds/2015-01-28 item/2897-from-field-to-fork [accessed 18 Stirling Council, Register of Food [accessed 17.02.17] [accessed 17.02.17] 17.02.17] Businesses. 30 Milner J, Green R, Dangour AD, et al, 40 http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/poverty- 7 Nourish Scotland (2014), Growing the 19 Invest in Stirling (2016), Restaurants, http:// (2015), ‘Health effects of adopting low in-your-area-2016/ Local Food Economy in Scotland, http:// www.investinstirling.com/key-sectors/ greenhouse gas emission diets in the UK’ BMJ Open 2015;5:e007364. doi: 10.1136/ www.nourishscotland.org/wp-content/ tourism/restaurants/ [accessed 17.02.17] 41 Interview with Linda Sterry, coordinator at bmjopen-2014-007364 uploads/2015/06/Local-Food-Economy- 20 Interview with Janice Fanning, Stirling Start-Up Stirling, January 2017. Report.pdf [accessed 17.02.17] 31 Newcastle University (2015), Organic vs Catering Manager, January 2017. 42 NHS Forth Valley; Community Food & Health non-organic food, http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ 8 Extrapolated from the Scotland data set for 21 Stirling Council (2015), Key Statistics, Scotland (2012), Putting Healthy Start on the press/news/2015/10/organicvsnon- 2014 in DEFRA (2016), Family Food Statistics, http://www.stirling.gov.uk/__documents/ Map, https://www.communityfoodandhealth. organicfood/ [accessed 22.02.17] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical- chief-executive-office/chief-executive- org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CFHS- data-sets/family-food-datasets [accessed office/research/2013-04-key-statistics.pdf NHS-Forth-Valley-Healthy-Start.pdf [accessed 17.02.17] [accessed 19.02.17] 17.02.17]

Good Food Stirling 54 Good Food Stirling 55 43 Institute for Fiscal Studies (2013), Food 52 Valerie Tarasuk et al., (2015), ‘Association 62 Malhotra A, Noakes T, Phinney S, (2015), ‘It is 72 Figures extrapolated for Stirling from expenditure and nutritional quality over the between household food insecurity and time to bust the myth of physical inactivity and Zero Waste Scotland, http://www. Great Recession, http://www.ifs.org.uk/bns/ annual health care costs’ CMAJ August 10, obesity: you cannot outrun a bad diet’, Br J zerowastescotland.org.uk/Looking-For- bn143.pdf [accessed 17.02.17] 2015 cmaj.150234 Sports Med 2015;49:967-968. Ways-To-Reduce-Food-Waste [accessed 17.02.17] 44 Jones NRV, Conklin AI, Suhrcke M, 53 WHO (2014), Exclusive breastfeeding to 63 Birmingham City Council introduced this policy Monsivais P (2014) The Growing Price reduce the risk of childhood overweight in 2012, in the first year they refused 15 of the 73 ClimateXChange: James Hutton Institute Gap between More and Less Healthy and obesity, http://www.who.int/elena/titles/ 36 applications for new hot food takeaways. and Forest Research (2016), Can silvo- Foods: Analysis of a Novel Longitudinal bbc/breastfeeding_childhood_obesity/en/ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ pastoral agroforestry systems contribute UK Dataset. PLoS ONE 9(10): e109343. [accessed 17.02.17] home-news/with-one-fast-food-restaurant-for- to Scotland’s emission reduction doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109343 every-1100-people-birmingham-takes-a-stand- targets?, http://climatexchange.org.uk/ 54 NHS Scotland (2016), Off to a good start: against-the-takeaway-9231132.html (April files/4614/7619/2023/CXC-Woodlands_ 45 Flora Douglas (2016), What do we really all you need to know about breastfeeding, 2014), [accessed 17.02.17] agroforestry_policy_brief.pdf [accessed know about children’s experiences of food http://www.healthscotland.com/ 19.02.17] insecurity in Scotland? Lessons learned documents/120.aspx [accessed 17.02.17] 64 Stirling Care Village, http://nhsforthvalley. from Scotland and Canada (and the US), com/hospitals/stirling-care-village/ [accessed 74 Scottish Government (2013), Influencing 55 Stirling Community Planning Partnership http://www.childreninscotland.org.uk/sites/ 19.02.17] behaviours: Individual, Social, (2016), Parent and Family Support Strategy, default/files/FloraDouglas.pdf [accessed Material Tool, http://www.gov.scot/ http://www.stirling.gov.uk/__documents/ 65 Scottish Government (2013), Greenhouse Gas 17.02.17] Resource/0043/00437127.pdf [accessed education-and-learning/early-years/ Emissions by Gas and by Scottish Government 19.02.17] 46 The Stop Community Food Centre (2017), parentandfamilysupportstrategy.pdf Source Sector, http://www.gov.scot/ http://thestop.org/, [accessed 17.02.17] [accessed 17.02.17] Publications/2015/06/1939/314105 [accessed 75 BBC News (2013), ‘Cheese is from 17.02.17] Plants’, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ 47 Food Standards Scotland (2016), The 56 Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition education-22730613 [accessed Scottish Diet: It needs to change, http:// (2011), The Influence of maternal, fetal 66 J. Hughes (2016), Summary of Scotland’s 17.02.17] www.foodstandards.gov.scot/sites/ and child nutrition on the development of Pesticide Use, http://www.sasa.gov.uk/ default/files/Situation%20Report%20 chronic disease in later life, https://www.gov. pesticides/pesticide-usage [17.02.17] 76 Run by Quality Meat Scotland and AHDB -%20COMPLETE%20AND%20FINAL.pdf uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Cereals, http://www.qmscotland.co.uk/ 67 Scottish Government (2009), Pesticide [accessed 17.02.17] attachment_data/file/339325/SACN_Early_ monitorfarms, [accessed 17.02.17] Poisoning of Animals in 2009, https://www. 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Good Food Stirling 56 Good Food Stirling 57 Good Food Stirling is a collaboration between Nourish Scotland and The Forth Environment Link

Report written by Bella Crowe, Nourish Scotland. We are grateful for the support from the James Hutton Institute, Professor Leigh Sparks (University of Stirling), Forth Valley and Lomond Leader, Scotland the Bread, Riverside Bakery CIC, Stirling Council, Start-Up Stirling, Salvation Army, Sunlite Café, The Carse of Stirling Partnership, West Moss-Side Farm, Arnprior Farm, Braehead Community Garden, the Soil Association, Stirling Farmers Market, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Climate Challenge Fund, Stirling Council, SEPA, Tullibody Healthy Living, Forth Valley College and many others who are engaged in understanding and transforming Stirling’s food system for the benefit of everyone.

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