Calls for more support to boost national herd

BEEF: Industry warns decline is putting supplies at risk

The ongoing decline in the size of the Scottish suckler beef herd is putting future supplies of Scotch Beef at risk, industry bodies have warned.

NFU Scotland (NFUS), the Scottish Beef Association (SBA) and the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) have written to Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing to raise their concerns.

They say the number of finished cattle passing through Scottish abattoirs has declined from more than 520,000 in 2005 to fewer than 400,000 in 2017, and the major cause has been the lack of profitability in beef production.

Charlie Adam, Aberdeenshire farmer and NFUS livestock committee chairman, said despite the premium paid to farmers for producing Scotch Beef, producers faced limited market returns.

He said: “It is vital any future support for the sector is developed in a way which enhances production levels of iconic Scotch beef.

“The existing Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) has been a positive driver of on-farm productivity, encouraging some farmers to invest in the production of profitable stock.

“However, it has at best only slowed down the decline in stock numbers rather than achieve its policy aims to stabilise beef cow numbers and then return the size of the national herd back to historical levels.”

SBA president Neil McCorkindale said lack of profitability had led to levels of inertia in the sector with many farmers and crofters left unable to make much-needed investment in new machinery, equipment and facilities.

He said while the Beef Efficiency Scheme had delivered support to the sector, it had been perceived by many as impractical and overly burden some.

He added: “We therefore hope that the Scottish Government can commit to simplicity when developing similar future support mechanisms to make them more user friendly, attractive and, most importantly, enabling all livestock farmers to achieve productivity benefits.”

SAMW president Frank Clark said: “While our members are currently investing in their plants and have additional future investments in mind to ensure processing facilities in Scotland remain of the highest standard, we need an increase in raw material supplies going forward.

“Otherwise, we will not be able to capitalise as an industry on future sales opportunities.”

Quality Meat Scotland chief executive Alan Clarke said the organisation was committed to promoting and growing the Scotch Beef brand.

Fergus Ewing said: “I am working with the Scottish beef industry sector to ensure a sustainable and profitable future for the industry.”

Officials have raised concerns over the supply of beef due to the ongoing decline in herd numbers.

SBA president Neil McCorkindale.