Climate Transition Plan Sets Out Priority Actions for Scotland’s Food and Drink Sector on Its Net Zero Journey

Scotland’s food and drink sector must accelerate action to cut emissions and strengthen resilience as climate volatility, rising costs and changing market expectations increase pressure across the industry, according to a new Climate Transition Plan published today.

Developed through the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Programme, the plan provides a practical, industry-wide route towards Scotland’s legally binding 2045 net zero target, setting out priority actions for businesses and recommendations for government on the conditions needed to enable progress.

Scotland’s food and drink sector generates £19 billion in annual turnover, contributes £7 billion in GVA and supports around 115,000 jobs, but faces increasing exposure to climate and market pressures. Extreme weather, water scarcity and flooding are disrupting production and supply chains, while rising energy and input costs are adding to business costs and uncertainty.

Informed by engagement with industry, government, academia and advisory bodies, the Climate Transition Plan looks across the food and drink supply chain, from field to point of delivery. It finds that many of the technologies and practices needed to reduce emissions are already proven, with the priority now being to scale them in ways that are commercially viable and practical for businesses, while improving efficiency and resilience.

The plan identifies four areas that will be important for strengthening the sector’s resilience: finance and investment, energy and infrastructure, workforce and skills, and on-farm and product diversification.

The Climate Transition Plan also sets out what food and drink businesses can do to reduce emissions, lower exposure to volatility and strengthen long-term competitiveness. It also calls for government action to remove some of the structural barriers to progress, including improving energy infrastructure and access to trusted technical and advisory support for SMEs and primary producers.

Iain Clunie, Programme Director of Scotland Food & Drink’s Net Zero Commitment, said: “Scotland’s food and drink businesses are already taking action, but the operating environment is changing quickly. This plan provides a shared route forward, identifying where businesses can act and where wider conditions need to improve to support progress.

“Reducing emissions and strengthening resilience are increasingly part of the same challenge. As policy, regulatory and market expectations change, the transition to net zero is becoming increasingly important to competitiveness, productivity and long-term commercial sustainability. The plan sets out practical actions to help businesses reduce their exposure to volatility and prepare for what comes next.”

Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin added: “Scotland's food and drink industry is a cornerstone of our economy and a key part of Scotland's journey to net zero. I am delighted that Scottish Government support for the Sustaining Scotland, Supplying the World strategy is helping the sector take forward this important work.

“I congratulate the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership on the significant progress made to date. This Climate Transition Plan demonstrates the ambition, collaboration and innovation that will be needed to deliver a fair and successful transition.

“By continuing to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and embrace sustainable growth, Scotland's food and drink sector will be a key partner in helping us meet our net zero ambitions while supporting jobs, investment, and communities across the country.”

The full Climate Transition Plan is now available at https://foodanddrink.scot/helping-business/services/net-zero-and-sustainability/