A new Scottish food policy that will boost tourism has been announced by Rural Affairs and Environment Minister Richard Lochhead.
The policy, to be finalised later this year, will join up work across the Scottish Government and cover every aspect of the food chain.
Ministers hope that drawing up a comprehensive strategy will boost food tourism and exports, as well as find ways to minimise the industry's impact on the environment.
Plans also include finding out more about the food served in schools, hospitals and public-sector canteens as part of a bid to improve the nation's health.
MrLochhead will kick off a "national discussion" involving producers, retailers and consumers when he visits a school breakfast club tomorrow.
"We want the freshest, finest future for Scottish food, " said Mr Lochhead.
"We need to tap into the potential of Scotland's worldfamous produce to secure a healthier, wealthier, greener Scotland.
"Supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest."
The minister is expected to outline the proposals to industry chiefs in a speech to the Scottish Food and Drink Federation on Wednesday.
Mr Lochhead added: "Food is about so much more than what we eat.
"It is about jobs, businesses, the environment, tourism and the health of our nation.
"The time is right to start this debate and I hope as many people as possible will have their say about the future of Scottish food, " concluded Mr Lochhead.
