Menu

Right to food secured in Greens cooperation deal

The right to food will be enshrined in Scots law following the agreement between the Scottish Greens and Scottish Government.

Progress on the long-delayed Good Food Nation Bill forms part of the cooperation deal, which will also boost local food producers through procurement contracts. The right to food will also be reflected in a new Human Rights Bill.

Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate to mark Food and Drink Fortnight, Scottish Greens rural affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess said: “Like other human rights the right to food is already protected under international law, but we only need to look at the unacceptable levels of food poverty in Scotland to know it is not happening on the ground.

“Progress on the Good Food Nation was regularly waylaid in the last parliamentary session, so the Scottish Greens were clear it needed to happen with urgency this time round, especially given the fact food insecurity has been exacerbated by the pandemic.”