A NEW survey has been launched as a net zero group say sustainability targets are critical to maintaining Scotland’s £16bn food and drink sector.
The Scotland Food and Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment Programme launched its industry-wide Business Support Research Survey on Monday 2 September.
Running until Monday 30 September, the survey aims to gather data from over 500 diverse food and drink businesses throughout Scotland.
This is in a bid to identify the challenges they are encountering on their path to achieving net zero emissions and the specific support that can be offered in working towards the Scottish Government’s 2045 targets.
The survey will aim to cover the spectrum of the food and drink supply chain, from initial production stages to the final delivery of products.
The information gathered is to undergo detailed statistical analysis to try to inform a basis for the group’s future recommendations and support strategies.
The Scottish food and drink industry is valued at approximately £16bn and is considered to be a key fixture of Scotland’s economy.
In July, the group published a guide with the aim of helping Scots food and drink businesses negotiate the language around net zero and sustainability.
The partnership cited a PwC survey which suggested that 80% of consumers would be willing to pay a premium on sustainably sourced goods.
The group see achieving net zero emissions is essential not only for mitigating climate change but also for maintaining the competitiveness of Scottish businesses on the global stage.
Iain Clunie, director of the Net Zero Programme, said: “For us to develop the most effective support mechanisms, it is imperative that as many Scottish food and drink businesses as possible engage with this survey.
“Achieving a statistically significant number of respondents will enable us to provide comprehensive recommendations to assist businesses in their transition to Net Zero.
“Together, we can lead the way to a sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s food and drink industry.
“The successful execution of this survey and the broader Net Zero initiative relies on the collaboration and co-operation of Scotland’s food and drink businesses and other relevant organisations.
“By working together, the industry can pool resources, share knowledge, and overcome common challenges to meet sustainability goals.”
