Local produce programme extended to 2026
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation‘s (SGF) Go Local Programme has been renewed for another year after securing funding from the Scottish Government.
Extended to the end of May 2026, the programme will now roll out the next phase of its project after Mairi Gougeon, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, confirmed a further allocation of £195,000 to support the programme.
Gougeon said: “Since 2020, we have been working with the SGF to get more Scottish products on the shelves in local convenience stores.
“We know people want to buy and support local producers and that’s why I am absolutely delighted to announce that we are providing a further £195,000 funding for phase six of the Go Local programme.
“It’s great to see the impact the programme has made in the last five years, with over 130 stores supported by ‘Go Local’, 103 local producers participating in meet the buyer events and participating stores on average stocking 36% more Scottish local produce. I look forward to seeing first-hand the work being done in the coming months.”
Phase six of the programme will see Go Local extend to at least 40 more geographically diverse stores across Scotland and help secure display space for Scottish products across these stores.
Stores that have already taken part in the programme since its inception in 2020 have seen a significant multiplier impact and boost for the local economy, says the SGF, with an average growth in sales of goods sourced from local producers of 44%. Further to this, the SGF said the programme has helped to provide £169,000 worth of sales per store, per annum.
Jamie Buchanan, Go Local Programme director, said: “Working together with both Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Government, the SGF Go Local Programme has truly brought about a sea change in how participating stores source their produce.
“Shifting the focus toward local suppliers and delivering a substantial benefit for both businesses and the community, producers and retailers get direct access to their local market while also improving sustainability, cutting out long-distance transport costs.
“Meanwhile, customers ensure they are getting only the best quality local produce and provide a boost for their local economy at the same time.”
