Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed the Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon’s support for Clyde Valley fruit today [15^th April] during General Question Time in the Scottish Parliament.  

The Cabinet Secretary words of support at Question Time for Clyde Valley and local fruit were in response to a question from Aileen Campbell MSP on the range of health, environmental and economic benefits eating fruit can bring.

Speaking at Question Time today in the Scottish Parliament, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“Does the cabinet secretary agree that, despite the study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which found little evidence of a link between eating fruit and vegetables and reducing cancer, eating healthy, locally grown produce, such as the apples in the Clyde valley, whose trees will soon be in blossom, has a range of benefits, not only for health but for the environment and the economy, and that we should continue to encourage folk to keep eating their five a day?”

 In reply, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon said:

“I am aware of the study that Aileen Campbell refers to but, in spite of that study, the Scottish Government still recommends that people should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, including fruit and vegetables—such as Clyde valley apples—can offer many health benefits, which is why we strongly encourage people to do so.”

Speaking outside the parliament, Aileen Campbell said:

“I am delighted that Nicola Sturgeon agreed with me that eating locally produced fruit and veg, especially that which is grown in the Clyde Valley, is important and that we should do all we can to encourage as many folk as possible to enjoy it.

“I have been working with people in the Clyde Valley who are supporting orchards in the area and will continue with this work here and across Scotland to make sure we can reap the health benefits from Scotland’s fruit trees.”