A leading Aberdeen University food systems scientist is to steer a push to enshrine the right to food and a healthy environment in Scottish law.
Professor Wendy Russell of the Rowett Institute has been named the new chair of the Scottish Food Coalition, a diverse alliance of over 70 organisations working towards a fair, healthy, and sustainable food system.
The appointment was announced as the Coalition celebrated its 10th anniversary with a landmark event in the Scottish Parliament attended by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon.
Held on the eve of Human Rights Day the Holyrood event, hosted by Ariane Burgess MSP, highlighted the Coalition’s central call: for the Scottish Government to enshrine the right to food and a healthy environment in law, ensuring that no one in Scotland goes hungry or is denied access to nutritious, sustainable food.
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact households across Scotland, the Coalition is urging all political parties to commit to a Human Rights Bill that would put the right to food and the right to live in a healthy environment into Scots law.
From left, Derek Walker (Future Generations Commissioner for Wales), Professor Wendy Russell (Chair of Scottish Food Coalition), Mairi Gougeon (Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands) and Simon Kenton-Lake, Scottish Food Coalition Coordinator. Image credit: Colin Hattersley Photography
This anniversary marks a new chapter for the Coalition with the appointment as chair of Prof Russell, who leads the Rowett’s Microbiome and Food Innovation and Security research theme, exploring how to deliver sustainable solutions to achieving healthy diets for all, as well as a vibrant food and drink supply sector.
Her award-winning work across the food supply chain uses innovation, reformulation, nutraceutical development, promotion of novel crops and revalorisation of agri-food waste streams to address our climate, nature and dietary targets.
She said: “I’m really excited to take on the role of Chair of the Scottish Food Coalition and be able to work with such an enthusiastic and diverse range of organisations who have not only contributed to us seeing our first National Food Plan but will play a key role in realisation of Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambitions.”
The event also celebrated Scotland becoming the first UK nation to publish a national food plan, a milestone in shaping a fairer and healthier food future which the Coalition played a pivotal role in achieving.
Among other speakers was Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, who spoke about the pivotal role that food partnerships have had in improving access to food in Wales. The Coalition have long been calling for similar partnerships to be set up in every local authority in Scotland.