News in brief: A report by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) finds that Scotland’s red meat sector contributes approximately £2.8 billion to the economy and has grown by over £100 million in the past five years. It emphasizes the need to maximise livestock output, increase domestic supply contracts, and explore export opportunities while highlighting the sector’s importance to rural communities.
A new report by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has evaluated the red meat sector to be worth approximately £2.8 billion to the Scottish economy, a news coverage said.
QMS claimed to have found that the country’s red meat output increased by over £100 million in the past five years. It further highlighted the importance of maximising livestock output from Scotland, suggesting that increasing domestic supply contracts and export opportunities could help achieve this.
Red meat production is a vital part of Scotland’s economy, contributing £2.8 billion annually and supporting over 39,000 jobs. The industry is important to rural communities, as many farms there rely on red meat production for their income.
QMS Chief Executive Sarah Millar said that red meat is fundamental to Scotland’s food sector and the report shows that it is in a ‘strong position.’
However, she stated that there was still more that could be done to maximise its value chain. She called for teamwork as it is vital in ensuring that Scotland remains a leading producer of high-quality red meat.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon also noted the importance of the report in assessing the continued importance of the red meat supply chain to rural communities and the country at large.
Furthermore, she disclosed that improvements on-farm efficiency as well as building an iconic brand and reputation has led to a marked increase in value of the industry. She attributed the gains to the diligence of farmers and all those who work in the wider supply chain, as another news outlet remarked.
The report revealed just how diverse the red meat supply chain is. It notes that it has over 10,000 businesses involved in the production, processing, and marketing of red meat. It highlighted the importance of traceability and quality assurance in the industry, which improves consumer confidence and food safety.
