Use policy, new and existing regulation and associated funding to ensure that healthy, sustainable food choices are accessible and affordable to all
This specifically relates to Outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5 as laid out in the Scottish Government’s Proposed National Good Food Nation Plan as published on 27th June 2025.
A recent study by ClimateXchange looked at seven international examples of diets which are good for the climate and health. They found that the top recommendations were:
- Reducing meat, in particular ruminant meat
- Moderating dairy
- Increasing vegetables, fruits and plant proteins
- Sourcing sustainably
- Avoiding highly processed foods
- Reducing food waste
In Scotland, these recommendations could be delivered by developing Sustainable Dietary Guidelines similar to those currently being developed in many European countries, reflecting the twin goals of nutrition and sustainability and promoting a healthier food culture.
A significant commitment to rethink policy initiatives to support delivery of these guidelines would be needed, with comprehensive regulation of the food environment and clear targets should be set to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, processed meat and intensively farmed animal products, replacing them with more local, nourishing and sustainable alternatives. Where animal-sourced food is consumed, it should come from systems with climate and nature friendly practices, including demonstrably higher animal welfare and environmental standards.
Where food must be imported, sourcing in line with Fair Trade principles should be prioritised to ensure environmental sustainability, decent livelihoods, and climate resilience for producers.
The procurement of food served on the public plate, such as in schools and care settings, should be seen as an investment in local economies and natural environments where we prioritise local and organic food. This means increasing and ring-fencing food budgets, whilst investing in the necessary processing facilities to further support local food economies and reduce emissions from transportation.
Research innovation and support for adoption of new practices is essential – including agroforestry, microbiome-driven breeding to reduce methane emissions, and intercropping of cereals and legumes. Scotland should also develop a thriving glasshouse sector, integrated with renewable energy generation and storage, to reduce reliance on importing “Mediterranean” vegetables from countries experiencing water shortages. Exploring opportunities for producing feed and food in novel ways would help to support rural economies.
Innovation is also needed to address food waste – Scotland is not on track to meet its previous 33% reduction target by 2025, with food waste levels instead increasing.
Within the marine environment, these recommendations could be achieved by incentivising and supporting sustainable low-impact fishing, keeping more of what is caught in Scotland, reducing bycatch and discards, and supporting well-paid jobs in coastal communities.
For more information:
- Analysing Scotland’s diet and climate policy landscape, Climate Xchange, 2025
- Scottish Food Coalition 2026 Manifesto Asks, 2025