Latest news with #QualityMeatScotland
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Ahdb Rising Beef Prices Have Out Striped General Inflation
New modelling on rising prices for beef forecast to impact consumer demand Rising beef prices have out-stripped general inflation, driven by a constrained supply, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). New research from AHDB and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) explores the potential impact of further beef price increases on consumer shopping behaviours, both in store and when dining out. The levy boards worked with Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar) to look at past consumer behaviour when beef inflation hit its highest point, and used these insights to model what could potentially happen if beef inflation was to hit a similar level again. Data revealed that, in retail, beef inflation reached 9.1% in May 2025, with prices averaging £9.39 (€10.87) per kilo for total beef. According to AHDB, retail beef inflation hit a high in October 2022, and modelling showed that if inflation were to hit 16% now, 2025, it would lead to a potential decline in retail beef volumes of 12,500 tonnes. In the out-of-home (OOH) market, which includes restaurants, cafes, bakeries and fast-food chains, average prices per dish for beef have also been steadily increasing, now averaging £6 (€6.95) per dish. Retail consumer insight manager at AHDB, Emma Wantling said: "As a general rule, as prices rise, demand from consumers drops. "Consumers typically respond to price increases by reducing the amount and frequency at which they purchase beef, swapping to cheaper beef cuts, stores and proteins and even turning away from beef altogether." The AHDB and QMS-commissioned research explores how food processors, retailers, food service operators and the wider supply chain could minimise inflationary sales losses though promotional activity, communicating red meat quality, taste and reputational credentials and working to ensure robustness in domestic supplies, as this will help to stabilise beef inflation for consumers and support demand across beef cuts. Wantling explained: "Marketing will be crucial to support beef demand, and communicating the unique benefits of beef cuts that are not easily replaced by other proteins should be prioritised. "AHDB's ongoing Let's Eat Balanced consumer campaign highlights the great taste and nutritional benefits of British beef to British consumers." 'AHDB is working with partners across the industry to understand what we can do collectively to support an efficient, profitable and resilient domestic supply base. Building a more resilient supply chain will help minimise the negative impacts of market volatility in the future,' Wantling added.
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Scotland rejects climate change committee advice to cut livestock herds by a quarter
Farmers welcomed the move, saying grazing livestock are 'part of the solution, not the problem.' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland has dismissed official climate change advice to slash cattle and sheep herds by about a quarter for emissions targets. The announcement was made at the opening of the Royal Highland Show on Thursday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the official body offering advice to UK government and devolved nations recommended Scotland cut its livestock herds by 27 per cent by 2040 for Net Zero targets. The announcement was met with widespread concern among the farming community who have repeatedly said livestock numbers can be part of the solution when it comes to climate change mitigation. Speaking at the Quality Meat Scotland breakfast event at the show, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'Let me be absolutely crystal clear, this government has no policy and will have no policy to cut livestock numbers.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon The decision was welcomed by the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland), who had urged ministers to reject the 'narrow proposals'. The move followed new greenhouse gas statistics showing agriculture emissions in Scotland have already fallen by 13.6 per cent since 1990, alongside publication of the CCC's latest recommendations on UK and Scottish carbon budgets. NFU Scotland vice president Duncan Macalister said: 'Farmers are already cutting emissions and increasing efficiencies - not by reducing output, but by improving how we produce food. 'It's about net zero, not zero emissions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Grazing livestock are part of the solution, not the problem - especially when managed well in pasture-based systems like ours. 'The government now needs to say clearly: how will future support reflect that reality and where does livestock fit in a climate-smart farming future?' Earlier this week, NFU Scotland met with the Climate Change Committee to discuss how farming can contribute to climate goals without undermining food production, biodiversity or rural livelihoods. The announcement comes after first minister John Swinney, ahead of attending the show himself, said: 'Our ambition is for Scotland to be a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. To do that we are working in partnership with the sector to transform the support we give to our farmers and crofters. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Royal Highland Show is our chance to showcase the absolute best of food produce, farming excellence and all of the industries that support our rural communities.' Mr Swinney pointed to the Scottish Government's commitment to sustainable food production, with more than £600 million annually, including maintaining direct support payments in the subsidy scheme, a system that is being phased out south of the border. Farmers are still in the dark about how the new four-tier subsidy scheme to replace the pre-Brexit CAP payments will work.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scottish farmers worried over imported trade deal meat
Scotland's meat industry says it is becoming concerned about the "creepage" of imports from countries which have signed trade deals with the Meat Scotland (QMS) says imports from countries like New Zealand, Australia and Brazil risk destabilising the Scottish food sector. On the opening day of the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh, farming unions insist trade deals are opening up new markets for many in the sector. But QMS is urging politicians to consider the cumulative impact of multiple deals rather than treating each one in isolation. It says low livestock numbers in the US, following successive droughts, mean there is a beef shortage from which Scottish exports could a decline in Scottish cattle numbers would need to be reversed in order to meet demand from across the Atlantic. Australia was the first country since Brexit to strike a trade agreement with the UK in 2021. It came into effect in May 2023 and farmers accused the then Conservative UK government of "giving away our markets too cheaply".Since then, trade agreements in principle have been struck with about 70 countries and last month the UK and EU reached a renewed farming and food sectors have been considering what it means for imports and exports. EU market 'most important' QMS modelling predicts an extra 79,000 cows would be needed by 2030 to replace imports with home grown equates to an extra two animals per herd each year although even more would be needed if exports were to grow. Chief executive Sarah Millar told BBC Scotland News: "We're not afraid of trade, we want to position our markets out there on that premium global marketplace as well, so we welcome two-way trade. "But it's got to be done in a fair and equitable basis."All of these trade deals, when they come together, could have a destabilising effect."Other market places have been opening up as trade deals have been United Arab Emirates has been receiving imports of Scotch lamb since Ms Millar says the EU is still the most important export market and any agreements which can smooth access to European trade would be welcomed. Last month's trade deal with India is being looked upon as having growth potential for Scotland's arable agreement has halved excise duty for whisky imports which has been welcomed by the Scotch Whisky says the deal has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next five years and create 1,200 jobs in the growers are hoping it will result in an increase in demand for the crop from Scottish White, an arable farmer near Duns in the Scottish borders, says he could almost double the amount of barley he explained: "We're at the very beginning of that supply chain. "I have only 25-30% of the farm growing spring barley so potentially this farm could grow a lot more if the premium was there."It's a relatively cheap crop to grow. It's also a local market and a prestige market." There is growing optimism that the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement will benefit farmers, and small food businesses in particular, by reducing red tape at the border and reopening trade seed potato industry says the lost market opportunity into the EU has cost £75m over the last five Scotland welcomes the reset of relations but has concerns about the UK being aligned with the EU's rules without having a say on their Hall, director of policy, says recovering lost markets is important but believes other trade opportunities are also said supplying premium beef products to the US would be good for farmers anything being sold into the UK must meet the same production and welfare standards as home produced means politicians sticking to the ban on controversial hormone-treated US added: "We're all doing a bit of crystal ball gazing at the moment. "We need to see the real detail to understand the implications."
The Courier
31-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
More food and farming day fun for kids in Fife and Kinross-shire
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) food and farming days have been a big hit with youngsters across Scotland this spring. The aim is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside. RHET says this will create a better understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland. Recent events in Perth & Kinross and Fife saw hundreds of primary school pupils enjoying a day on the farm. There were nearly 200 getting some valuable hands-on learning experience at Tillyochie Farm near Kinross. Local schools taking part included Arngask, Fossoway, Portmoak, Kinross, Milnathort, Goodlyburn, and Cleish. RHET's Perth & Kinross team, supported by host farmers the Smith family, delivered sessions on topics including soil health, livestock care, food production and biodiversity. The event also had the support of 21 volunteers, including people from the local community, as well as representatives from organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland and the Kilted Christmas Tree Company. RHET Perth & Kinross project co-ordinator Tara Clark said: 'These kinds of experiences leave a lasting impression on pupils. 'They help children form early connections with where their food comes from and the people who produce it – something that's more relevant than ever these days.' Portmoak Primary School pupil Sylvie said: 'The trip made me feel happy because I got to find out a bit about cows.' Tanvi said she 'learned lots of new facts about animals', while Gaia said: 'Now I know how pine trees grow. It was a great experience.' Meanwhile, Jacob said he was particularly impressed by the hens, adding: 'Not even the strongest man in the world could break an egg with two fingers.' Sophia and Mimi loved seeing the 'cute' sheep and their lambs, while Phoebe was amazed to find out horses need groomed at 5am every day. The farm's Clydesdale horses found a new friend in Duncan, while the sheepdogs were a big hit with Sam. Meanwhile, there were 135 younsgsters from three Fife primaries – Canmore and St Leonards RC in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay – at a RHET food and farming day at Droverhall Farm, Crossgates, Hosted by the Adam and Collier families and supported by a wide range of people and organisations,the educational sessions at Droverhall covered topics including beekeeping, vegetables, farm machinery, sheep shearing, beef cattle and cereals.
STV News
08-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Beef shortages could be seen in Scotland amid cattle decline
Beef shortages could be seen in Scotland as cattle numbers continue to decrease across the country. Around 80,000 more cows are needed by 2030 to meet demand, according to a new report from Quality Meat Scotland. It comes after the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) warned in January that beef supplies are reaching a 'critical point' in January. The number of cattle in Scotland has seen a downward trend, dropping by 10% over the past decade. STV News Around 80,000 more cows are needed by 2030 to meet demand. Farmers say an increase in costs and aging workforce is behind the reduction. Aberdeenshire farmer, Gary Christie, said the reduction in cattle 'really accelerated' when the price of beef collapsed around seven years ago. 'Recently we've seen the price of beef rise, but then our costs rose too so a lot of people weren't able to get back into the sector,' the 59-year-old told STV News. STV News Aberdeenshire farmer, Gary Christie. Latest figures suggest that by 2030, the UK would collectively need to produce 278,000 tonnes of beef on top of what it is currently projected to produce to achieve full self-sufficiency. For Scotland to bridge this gap, this equates to around an additional 22,000 tonnes of beef, requiring approximately 79,000 additional cows at the current national average reproduction rate. This data takes into account people eating less red meat in the coming years which is a decrease of 0.3% per person per year. STV News The number of cattle in Scotland has dropped by 10% over the past decade. Kate Rowell, chair of QMS, said that if the UK is unable to plug the production gap it will mean more beef imports from other countries. 'If we do that we don't have any control over cattle's welfare and environmental standards, and we see an opportunity here to add to the Scottish Herd, by just a few cows each year that's what we're asking farmers to do,' she added. The demand for Scotch Beef worldwide is also growing, with the Scottish Association for Meat Wholesalers saying they were turning buyers away due to a lack of product earlier this year. Ms Rowell added: 'The worldwide sector is really booming which provides us with a really good opportunity here in Scotland if we can meet the demand.' However, adding more cattle to herds is not always an easy job for farmers. Mr Christie said it can take between 24 to 26 months 'from conception to plate', adding that it's a long time before farmers see a return in profit. 'It's okay for a herd like ours possibly to add a few more but for many they won't be able to do that,' he said. He added: We need to have more confidence to grow from the Scottish Government that they support us. Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said the Scottish Government understands the need to maintain critical mass in the livestock sector to ensure a viable supply chain. 'In stark contrast to the UK Government, we have committed to continue to provide reformed direct support to farmers in recognition of the unique challenges facing our farming and crofting communities,' he said. 'This includes our £40m Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) as we know how economically, socially and environmentally important Suckler herds are. These direct payments will become part of the future framework in 2027, demonstrating our continuous support. He added: 'We are taking action now through the SSBSS to offer stability and sustainability as we fully recognise that if we do not act now then livestock producers will face further pressure down the line from buyers, processors and retailers to reduce emissions. 'We will continue to work closely with QMS and other stakeholders to secure a positive future for the sector. ' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
