Trust urges joint approach to promote native breeds

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has called on government, farmers, butchers and chefs to promote traditional native breeds.

A campaign launched at the Royal Highland Show is challenging everyone with influence over livestock choices to make space for a few pedigree, rare or traditional native animals.

Tom Beeston, the chief executive of the charity whose aim is to secure the future of the UK’s native livestock breeds, said he realised rare breeds were not always as commercially attractive as modern day breeds.

“But we want to create an environment where they can be kept alongside the main flocks or herds, and where they can present a financial benefit through niche marketing and targeted subsidy,” he said.

RBST is also aiming to encourage butchers and chefs to explore the benefits of using pedigree rare breed produce.