This Charter outlines a vision for a nourishing food system in the Highlands, which is holistic, sustainable and connected.
Vision
A Highland food system that is a resilient, regenerative and supportive network of communities, farmers, crofters, food businesses and public bodies built on diversity, interconnectedness and fairness; to enable health and well-being for all of life.
Purpose
We are a Highland community with food at its core. We understand that food has different meanings to all of us. Our purpose is to create a food network where everyone is welcome. We aim to improve education around food which will help to improve health, community development and environmental protection.
We want to see the development of community-based growing projects, which will educate people about food and diet, improving their physical and mental health, and make them more aware of the environmental impacts of the food they consume. And in turn, help to create viable jobs and businesses in growing and processing food in the Highlands.
Objectives
- Promote inclusive education relating to food production and distribution in the Highlands, and address the impact of that on the environment.
- Improve the health of the people of the Highlands, as it is affected by diet and the processes of producing and distributing food.
- Develop strong citizenship and community networks through participation in the food sector in the Highlands.
- Increase the availability of locally produced food for everyone in the Highlands, and encourage local producers to adopt the highest environmental standards.
- Establish food system resilience within the Highland region.
Key Principles
Collaboration
- Working together, sharing resources and bringing people on a journey of making small changes, which make a big impact
- Cross-sectoral cooperation – between producers, retailers, schools, colleges, community growing projects, hospitals and GPs
Resilience
- Ensuring food security in times of pandemics and climate instability
- Diversity of producers and retail outlets
- Essential services needed at a local level e.g. abattoirs
- Circular economy thinking to minimise resource use and waste
- Increased self-sufficiency for the Highlands, supported by public sector procurement
Education
- In schools – growing and preparing food; making sure good, local food is served. As well as communicating potential career paths within the food industry
- Training – better training for careers in agriculture and hospitality
- For adults – open information on nutrition, environmental impact, growing, preparing and cooking
Sustainability
- Better practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Addressing the biodiversity crisis
- Better public sector support for these changes
Community
- Getting more people growing for multiple health and educational benefits
- Young people having a key role in shaping their own future
- Celebrating local food and valuing indigenous skills
- A smarter approach to food poverty – nutritious local food should be available to all
- Shortening supply chains so that customers recognise and value well-produced food
Health and Well-being
- Making a good diet available to all incomes
- Engaging with the NHS to highlight the importance of diet
- Using the powerful social and cultural significance of food to build relationships and improve well-being and mental health
How to Get Involved
Join the conversation by visiting www.highlandgoodfood.scot and following Highland Good Food Partnership on social media.
Email: hello@highlandgoodfood.scot