The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Farmers urged to ‘push back’ against negative comments
Meat eating often put down by vegans
Scottish farmers and crofters need to “push back” against negative comments about the industry made by vegetarians and vegans.
That was the message delivered by Gordon MP Colin Clark at a lunch for pig producers at yesterday’s Aberdeen Christmas Classic at Thainstone, near Inverurie.
The Tory politician said there was scope to grow the domestic market for pork, but producers needed to fight against negative comments surrounding red meat consumption.
“The pig industry produces 1.7 million tonnes of meat but we are only 54% selfsufficient – there’s an opporunity there,” he said.
“The chicken market is eight times the size of the pigmeat market. Even if you got 10% of that market, that is a huge opportunity.”
He encouraged producers to big up their industry and fight back against negative comments, which are all too often made against red meat production.
“It’s a big problem that we are in the news too often for the wrong reason,” added Mr Clark.
“The stuff that vegans and vegetarians are saying is often fake news. If you want your market to grow then you need to push back.”
He said consumers needed to be educated about the importance of a mixed, balanced diet.
NFU Scotland livestock committee chairman Charlie Adam agreed and said people shouldn’t be condemned for their food choices, but instead educated about what is good for them.
Mr Adam, who recently announced his intention to stand for vice-president at the union’s elections in February next year, added: “We have a nation who are incredibly ignorant about food and their food choices. I think we need to campaign to get knowledge of food and farming into the national cirriculum.”