News.Scotland.Org

Scotland, Dec 28: The traditional and favourite food items like the Scotch pies and butteries are facing the threat posed by the lack of funding. European money has been paid for at least half of the training costs in the food sector will no longer be available from the European Social Fund.

According to Iain Gray the East Lothian MSP and the finance spokesman of the Labour party said: “The food sector industry is facing a potential food shortage. The main reason for this is due to the shortage of potential skilled labourers. The shortage of bakers who are able to produce traditional treats such as the plain loaf, pan loaf and bridie is the prime matter of concern.”

He further added that: “Proper training is the need of the hour, baking is not an exception. It is not a wise decision by the SNP government to exclude the overall food industry from the purview of training assistance. It is important that we give shape to next generation of master bakers.”

The European Social Fund amounts to £1.4m and £3m had been spent for the training the food industry since 2001. Labours said that effort has is giving shape to about 700 training chances per year.

While commenting on this a Scottish government spokesman pointed out that: “The change was put forth by the former Labour administration. The food sector had been excluded at that time. The present Scottish government is taking initiative to discuss on the key issues of financing the food sector training. Soon after the New Year we will organise a meeting that would discuss about the national food policy and the future of food industry in Scotland.”

The traditional food industry of Scotland will lose its identity and existence if it is not encouraged properly.

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