Start of Good Food plan for region

WORK is set to begin on a regional Good Food Nation Plan.

It will be published locally by the council in partnership with NHS Dumfries and Galloway and will reflect the outcomes set out in the Scottish Government’s draft National Good Food Nation Plan.

It will reflect the region's strong connection to the food and drink sector, with one of the highest proportions of employment in the industry across Scotland, as well as challenges such as food insecurity and rising demand for food bank services.

The council has already begun work to establish a baseline dataset and identify local priorities.

To help in its development there will be public engagement, collaboration with businesses and organisations, and alignment with existing strategic partnerships addressing poverty, nutrition, food growing and sustainability.

The views of residents and those with lived experience of food-related issues will be reflected in the plan.

Councillor Andy Ferguson said: “Our council recognises the importance of food to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our communities. The development of a Regional Good Food Nation Plan is an opportunity to build a fairer, more sustainable food system for Dumfries and Galloway, and we are committed to working with our partners and residents to make that vision a reality.”

A progress report will be given to councillors in summer 2026, six months prior to the anticipated publication.