A LOCAL MSP has welcomed £100,000 of funding to help local projects promote food products from their region and establish new markets.

Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, has said that the latest round of the Scottish Government’s Regional Food Fund will help to bolster businesses and showcase produce from Renfrewshire Food; First Step Forward, ran by Tenement Kitchen, across Scotland and beyond.

The local project is among 22 local and collaborative initiatives throughout Scotland, including food festivals, food and drink trails, markets and online shops, who will benefit from the Regional Foods Fund with grants of up to £5000 – continuing to support local food and drink businesses through the cost of living crisis.

Initiatives like the Regional Food Fund is just one way in which the government is delivering for Scotland’s food and drink industry.

Managed by Scotland Food & Drink, the fund from the SNP Government will help to support and grow local and regional economies by encouraging projects like Renfrewshire Food to market and sell their local products.

Ms Don said: “I welcome this latest round of Regional Food funding from the Scottish Government, which underlines the SNP’s commitment to empowering local businesses and economies to grow and flourish.

“Scotland’s celebrated food and drink sector is a pillar of Scotland’s economy and global image- from its world-famous whisky and seafood industries to Renfrewshire Food in the constituency. It is right that every level of this sector receives the support it needs.

“While the Tory UK government have abandoned food and drink businesses in Renfrewshire and Scotland, the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to ensure local businesses like Renfrewshire Food can continue to trade and prosper.

“I look forward to seeing the amazing products from Renfrewshire Food promoted throughout Scotland and given the recognition they deserve.”