There is also predicted to be a significant growth in the market for 'meal solutions'. The Scottish Food Strategy, being overseen by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has identified these trends as ones which the Scottish industry should take advantage of. With the reputation that Scotland has for quality, there is the opportunity to increase returns to both producers and processors through the production of new added value food presentations. Nor is there much of a tradition of Scottish consumers buying local produce. While this will not be a solution for most farmers, and it requires a rigorous and professional approach to markets, there will undoubtedly be some opportunities in future.
Opportunities are likely to be limited only by knowledge and imagination.
Scottish farmers lead the way within the UK in their use of formal and informal co-operatives to reduce costs and increase returns but, as other countries have shown, there are many more opportunities available to increase our use of this tool. In the next few years, considerable efforts will be going into developing these industries in Scotland and there will be opportunities to develop new approaches based on use of the land, its natural heritage and the food which it produces. Such things as forestry may offer opportunities for diversification. The Scottish farming industry has its strengths and its weaknesses, and this section demonstrates that it faces both challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether one triumphs over the other depends crucially on Scotland's ability to make the most of its strengths while having the courage to tackle the weaknesses.