Data uncovered via freedom of information request has shown that schools in Perth and Kinross spent £250 on Serbian raspberries last year, despite Perth and Kinross being home to Scotland’s soft fruit industry.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has criticised the council’s spending on foreign fruit believing that food miles for raspberries is unnecessary considering the strength of the berry industry in Perth and Kinross.
Figures also showed that Fife schools spent £128 on raspberries from Serbia in 2015/16.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“It seems incredible that schools in Perth and Kinross are willing to ship raspberries nearly 2,000 miles from Serbia rather than buying those that are grown a couple of miles down the road.
“Perth and Kinross is the heartbeat of Scotland’s soft fruit industry. The mix of good quality well-draining soil combined with a moderate climate results in the area producing some of the best raspberries in the world.
“The fact that school kids are tucking into Serbian berries rather than those produced on our doorstep gives out the completely wrong message on food miles and our carbon footprint.
“Whilst it is understandable that berries are sometimes sourced from elsewhere when they are out of season in Scotland, I would hope that Perth and Kinross procurement policy supports the local economy.”