FOOD policies at the heart of the fight against climate change are to be taken forward by Stirling Council after it signed an international pledge.

The local authority has signed the Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration, which has called for the accelerated development of integrated food policies as a key tool to cut carbon emissions.

The agreement means the council will develop and implement integrated food policies and strategies, reducing greenhouse emissions from food systems and calling on national governments to create supportive frameworks.

Cllr Chris Kane, convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, said: “Signing this international agreement builds on our existing sustainable food policies and adds Stirling’s voice to this important global call to action.

“This commitment shows our intent to go further and faster in cutting the ecological footprint of the food we serve and helps our efforts to reduce health and income inequalities.”

The commitment will be advanced through existing initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and food insecurity, such as the Stirling Food Framework.

The framework is an ambitious initiative that aims to improve access to good quality, health and sustainable food.

Cllr Scott Farmer, vice convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, added: “Enhancing and integrating our food systems will be vital in the fight against climate change and that requires local action, so it’s vital that local authorities such as Stirling step up to meet this challenge.

“We are proud to be one of the first Scottish Councils to sign this declaration which aligns with our ongoing work to make Stirling a Good Food City – a place where everyone can access healthy, affordable and sustainable food.”