Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham has welcomed the establishment of a new fund that will help small producers become more sustainable.
The Small Producers Pilot Fund has been allocated over £180,000 to help small producers and crofters establish more localized supply chains and cut food miles by establishing a new information resource webpage, among other things.
Ms Whitham believes this financial support will be incredibly important in boosting the local economy in the years to come.
The SNP politician said: "This new fund will be transformational for Ayrshire's economy, which is blessed with many high-quality small producers.
"It will help to ensure that small businesses continue to thrive with the support they need to operate innovatively and sustainably.
"Scotland and Ayrshire's food and drink industry is world-renowned for its quality and variety, and its resilience and sustainability are incredibly important for ensuring that it continues to grow for many years to come."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here