Image source, EYES ON ANIMALS

A ferry operator has said that it will stop carrying calves to Europe after animal welfare concerns were raised by a BBC Scotland investigation.

P&O said it was ending the practice with immediate effect following the broadcast on Monday of "Disclosure: The Dark Side of Dairy".

The Scottish government said it was concerned at P&O's reaction.

NFU Scotland said it was a "disappointing" decision and described the documentary as "sensationalised".

About 5,000 calves were shipped to Europe last year from Scotland.

Campaigners claim the long journey is harmful but the industry said the alternative was shooting them at birth.

Male calves are surplus to requirements on dairy farms.

Disclosure: The Dark Side of Dairy was broadcast on BBC One Scotland on 10 September and is available on the BBC iplayer

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Mr Rumbles moves on to discuss BBC Scotland's documentary "Disclosure: The Dark Side of Dairy" and he expresses concerns, not about direct exports from Scotland, rather about "Scottish animals ending up in Spain and Africa for slaughter".

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon replies: "He talks about the BBC documentary, but would the member recognise that the calves that were shown there, they were not Scottish calves and that has been a point that the NFUS has raised."

The Lib Dem MSP argues the issue of animal welfare must be dealt with swiftly and ministers must grasp the importance of public perception.

He warns the SNP not to "quibble about the facts".

He goes back to fish farming, saying the regulatory regime is not good enough.

Image source, Scottish parliament

Image source, SALMON AND TROUT CONSERVATION SCOTLAND

Campaigners claim wild salmon returning to a river in the Isle of Lewis are infested with sea lice originating from local fish farms.

Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland said wild fish have been found dead or dying at the mouth of the Blackwater river at Loch Roag.

The group has alleged the Scottish Salmon Company's seven fish farms in the sea loch were to blame.

The company said it took fish health and welfare "very seriously".

Read more.

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Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles says there is much to celebrate in our food and drink sector and he picks out the whisky industry which is "thriving".

Mr Rumbles insists there is good news all around, with the industry accounting for over 70% of all our food and drink exports.

He pivots to Scottish salmon and insists protecting the quality of this is part of Holyrood's job.

The Lib Dem MSP argues if consumer confidence was affected by this, it would be tragic.

Mr Ruskell suggests the ambition for a good food nation has been "steadily eroded" since 2016.

Three reports have been provided by the Food Commission, external, including ten recommendations on a bill he states.

The Green MSP also criticises the disbanding of the Commission this summer.

All opposition parties are on board with the legislation Mr Ruskell says and he calls for the cabinet secretary to draft the bill.

Image source, Scottish parliament

Green MSP Mark Ruskell says Scotland is dripping with good food and drink.

But he says Scotland is failing on animal welfare (pointing to calf exports in particular), obesity and affordability.

Mr Ruskell highlights those on low incomes are spending a large proportion of disposable income on food

The Green MSP insists primary legislation is the only way to tackle such issues.

"We can't report on progress if we don't know what we are trying to achieve and when."

Food banks in Scotland gave out a record number of food parcels last year, according to figures published in April.

More than 170,000 three-day emergency food supplies were distributed by The Trussell Trust's 52 food banks.

The charity said it saw a 17% increase in demand north of the border in 2017/18, compared to the previous year.

And it claimed a growing proportion of people referred to Scottish food banks have found that their benefits do not cover the cost of essentials.

Read more.

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Mr Smyth insists there must be a Brexit deal that retains the GI status.

The Labour MSP points out a lack of access to food is Scotland's shame, with chidren going to bed hungry due to food poverty.

He calls for a rethink in how we access food in Scotland, with access to food a basic human right.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Mr Smyth says the downgrading of the Good Food Nation Bill is a "kick of the teeth" to stakeholders.

Mr Ewing asks if Mr Smyth accepts the reaffirmation to bring forward legislation to underpin Scotland as a Good Food Nation.

"A bold Good Food Nations Bill was an opportuntiy for Scotland to lead the way." replies Mr Smyth.

A right to food should be enshrined in law, he concludes.

Young's Seafood confirmed the closure of its Pinneys of Scotland plant in Annan in May.

It came after consultation over proposals to move production from the Scottish site to Grimsby.

Cross-party efforts have been ongoing throughout that period to try to save hundreds of jobs.

The company said that it had not been able to find any "viable alternative" to closure which would now take place towards the end of the year.

Read more here.

Labour MSP Colin Smyth highlights the importance of food and drink to the Scottish economy.

"It's a sector that has seen incredible growth over the last decade."

The sector is particularly important to rural communities, Mr Smyth adds, pointing to examples in his own region.

"But we're not without our major challenges," he warns, pointing to the loss of Young's seafood factory an Annan.

Image source, bbc

Under EU law there are several ways to protect the heritage of famous foods made traditionally or tied to particular locations:

• Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) means the recipe or method of production has to be very specific
• Protected Geographical Indication(PGI) means the recipe or method is protected and it has to be carried out in a specific location
• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status means it also has to be made with ingredients from a certain geographical area

Examples include Parmesan Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, Stornoway black pudding and Champagne

The legislation protecting these foods comes from the EU's Protected Foods Name Scheme,, external with fears this could be forgotten about in the post-EU political upheaval.

Mr Cameron believes the Good Food Nation legislation would be key to unlocking change in people's health.

The Tory MSP does not dispute the vital importance of Geographical Indicators and welcomes the UK government's commitment to introducing a simple set of rules in relation to GIs.

He hopes Mr Ewing will get to discuss the issue about GIs when he meets his counterpart Michael Gove on Monday.

"There is disappointment the SNP have downgraded the Good Food Nation Bill in their programme for government."

Mr Cameron expresses concern plans for the good food nation has been "downgraded" from a bill to a programme.

He suggests that if the Scottish government was truly committed to it, they would bring forward to legislation sooner rather than later.

We don't understand why a bill with such huge support from across the chamber and other stakeholders looks like it has been kicked into the long grass says Mr Cameron.

Mr Ewing intervenes to highlight the importance of consultation, leading Mr Cameron to argue this should not be used as reason to delay the introduction of the bill.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland's food and drink sales have risen at their fastest pace since 2011, according to new figures.

Scottish government statisticians said the sector generated turnover of £13.9bn in 2016 - an increase of 3.9%, or £527m, on the previous year.

Turnover is estimated to have increased by up to 36% since 2007.

Last year, the Scottish government launched a new strategy in an effort to double the value of food and drink to £30bn by 2030.

Read more.

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Tory MSP Donald Cameron argues there is clear evidence the food and drink sector is growing.

"I'm sure we'll be treated to a smörgåsbord of delicious examples of food and drink from across Scotland."

Mr Cameron welcomes the government's aims to improve the food and drink sector.

He insists Scotland's offering to the world is growing and this is to be welcomed.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Mr Ewing confirms the Scottish government's intention to expand food and drink sectoral plans to include beef, lamb, poultry and craft beer.

Our vision is for Scotland to be a good food nation by 2025, he asserts.

Legislation is not the only answer, the cabinet secretary adds, and he points to the programme of measures which sets out a full range of actions underway.

He welcomes representations made on becoming a good food nation and he highlights a summary report for information on how progress is being made.

Mr Ewing says there will be considerable challenges with the likely exit from EU.

The rural economy secretary says a no deal Brexit would be deeply destructive to the food and drink sector.

The minister stresses the importance of EU Geographical Indicators that protect Scottish food and drink.

He says it is vital there is a sensible outcome in terms of Geographical Indicators and he will press this point to UK ministers on Monday.

The minister highlights the food and tourism action plan launched by the first minister on Arran.

Image source, Linuxcentre/James McLaren&Son/BBC/Scottish Salmon Company

Protected Geographical Indication status for Stornoway black pudding, Scotch whisky and Forfar bridies comes from the EU's Protected Foods Name Scheme, external and there are fears from some farmers this could be forgotten about in the post-EU political upheaval.

Under EU law there are several ways to protect the heritage of famous foods made traditionally or tied to particular locations.

Here's some of Scotland's Protected Designation of Origin food and drinks:

• Arboath Smokies
• Dundee cake
• Forfar Bridies
• Stornoway black pudding
• Scottish wild salmon
• Scotch lamb