A FARMER from Peeblesshire represented Scotland at a high profile European discussion in Prague on short food supply chain management.

Heather Anderson, of Whitmuir Organic Farm, was shortlisted from 122 applicants all over Europe to attend the first European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Sustainability and Productivity on Wednesday.

Alyn Smith, SNP MEP and Scotland’s only voice on the Agricultural Committee, congratulated Heather on her role. He said: “This is fantastic news.

“The impact of the supply chain on farmers and producers needs to be examined, particularly in the wake of Tesco’s bonus-inflating chicanery courtesy of inflating supplier contributions.

“I’m delighted to see West Linton on the map! Heather and her husband Pete put in a tremendous amount of work to promote sustainability and Whitmuir is a real success story, so her voice is going to be a real asset to the group.” Heather added: “As farmers we are very familiar with the economics of long supply chains, but there’s been little research into the true impact of short supply chains on farmer income.

“I feel very privileged to have the chance to participate in the work of this study group and am looking forward to learning from our European farmers.”