Rural Affairs Secretary Addresses National Beef Event

Scotland's beef industry took pride of place in Garmouth in Morayshire yesterday as Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead addressed Scotland's inaugural National Beef Event.

Mr Lochhead paid tribute to the quality of Scotland's livestock industry and indicated that one of his early priorities on the rural agenda would be to investigate the feasibility of an independent meat inspection body for Scotland.

He also took the opportunity to pledge his continued support to sheep farmers over the issue of electronic identification.

Speaking at his first major agricultural event since being reappointed, Mr Lochhead said:

"It's fantastic to see this premier Beef Event being launched as Scotland deserves our own national showcase given the beef sector's importance.

"Indeed, beef production is the cornerstone of rural Scotland, a long-established industry, and it is thanks to the dedication and hard work of our livestock farmers who have built up a world renowned reputation for healthy and high quality, premium beef cattle.

"With beef production worth around £400 million to Scotland and exports on the up, quality assured Scotch beef is a major success story and a vital part of our food and drink industry.

"I'm proud of the support we have given to our livestock farmers, who do such valuable work to bolster our rural economy. Together we have achieved a great deal over the past four years, but I am conscious that much more needs to be done to help secure a profitable future for our livestock industry.

"I know there are challenges ahead, not least the future of the Common Agricultural Policy and ensuring it delivers for productive agriculture, and the Scottish Government is demanding a greater say in European agricultural negotiations.

"Closer to home, I can confirm I will be making it an early priority to investigate the feasibility of an independent meat inspection body for Scotland, following our manifesto pledge. Details of this are currently being worked up and I will make a further announcement at the Royal Highland Show.

"With such pressures on margins within supply chain, we have a responsibility to investigate all opportunities to make the inspection system more efficient to reduce the cost to farmers and processors.

"This will further contribute to our overall aim of reducing the financial burden on the industry.

"Scotland's farmers face many challenges and there are important decisions to be taken. I will address these issues in partnership with the farming sector to ensure a viable and sustainable future for Scottish beef production."

At the event, Mr Lochhead saw the renowned Corskie Simmental cattle, toured the industry stands and met stakeholders and local school pupils involved with the competition.

On the ongoing issue of sheep electronic identification tagging (EID), Mr Lochhead added:

"I would like to give thanks to the industry for working with the Scottish EID pilot, to help develop a strong system for traceability.

"Scotland's good traceability record should be recognised, and the European Commission shouldn't be coming down like a ton of bricks on administrations that have done their utmost to implement this regulation effectively.

"We were disappointed with the recent view taken by DG AGRI regarding penalties for farmers not meeting 100 per cent accuracy. We will continue to work with our industry, other UK administrations and through channels in Brussels to take our position forward based on the evidence from the ScotEID pilot.

"We currently await the results of the Food and Veterinary Organisation visit to the UK and anticipate it will endorse our robust Scottish traceability system in line with positive feedback received so far."

More farming industry news