NFU Scotland warns of import risks despite rise in local sourcing

NFU Scotland has reported that 26% of own-label products on Scottish supermarket shelves are now sourced locally, a 19% increase from the previous year. When combined with products from the rest of Britain, the sourcing figure reaches 89%. Data from the ShelfWatch audit indicates year-on-year increases in Scottish sourcing for chicken, soft fruit, vegetables, and fresh pork, while milk and eggs maintain high levels of local sourcing.

Supermarket performance varies, with Aldi leading at 68% local sourcing, followed by Lidl at 51%, Co-op and M&S at approximately 30%, and Tesco at 23%.

Despite these gains, NFU Scotland is calling for an independent review of food import policy. The union warns that growing reliance on overseas production—noting that food import volumes have risen 70% since 1997—threatens food security and domestic competitiveness. The union expressed concern that imports produced under different regulatory and environmental standards could displace Scottish producers. Additionally, the union cautioned that proposed government consultations on food price caps might increase the attractiveness of cheaper imports, further eroding the bargaining power of domestic farmers.