Food and drink businesses in Moray are being urged to apply for funding to develop food tourism, bring benefits to the region and contribute to the sector’s recovery from Covid.
The Scotland Food and Drink Partnership was launched to help the food and drink businesses with their recovery from Covid and prepare for Brexit, supported by £5 million from Scottish Government for 2020/21. An additional £50 million will be provided over 2021/22.
Since 2018 the fund has awarded over £350,000 to 79 creative, innovative and collaborative projects across the regions of Scotland.
New grants of up to £5000 are available to applicants, and the deadline to apply is 15 March 2021.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has urged businesses to tap into the fund to develop projects that celebrate locally-sourced and produced food and drink.
Commenting Mr Lochhead said: “Our world-class food and drink sector has faced an extremely challenging year, so this funding – which will contribute to its recovery from Covid-19 – comes at an important time.
“Between Brexit and Covid-19, there are very few food and drink businesses which haven’t been seriously affected – but it’s vital our food and drink industry keeps growing and bringing benefits to Moray and Scotland.
“This money will play an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.
“I’d encourage all eligible groups and businesses in Moray to apply before the deadline.”