MPs join Quality Meat Scotland to explore opportunities and challenges in red meat supply chain

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has kick-started the first of a series of strategic engagements with new and re-elected MPs for Scotland this summer, showcasing the vital role and priorities of the Scottish red meat supply chain. Starting in late July, these visits across government and opposition parties have provided a valuable platform for discussing the industry’s contributions, challenges, and future opportunities.

Lucy Ozanne, Industry Strategy & Public Affairs Manager at QMS commented: "The red meat industry is a vital cornerstone of Scotland’s rural communities as a significant economic contributor and providing jobs across a variety of businesses. Our recent engagements have highlighted the sector’s ongoing evolution, as well as the international recognition it has of producing world-class products.”

As highlighted in QMS's Red Meat Industry Profile 2024, the Scottish red meat sector generates £2.8 billion in output, contributes £839 million in Gross Value Added (GVA), and sustains 39,300 jobs, underscoring its substantial impact on Scotland’s economic landscape.

Lucy Ozanne added: “Our objective with these MP engagements is to ensure that key policy decision-makers are fully informed and gaining first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the red meat supply chain in Scotland, and more directly, in their own constituencies.

“Having direct conversations with MPs, we aim to highlight the impact that decisions made in Westminster can have on pressing issues such as trade, labour, and funding. This approach allows us to build a long-term strategy that not only benefits the sector but also strengthens the connections between local producers, processors, and policymakers, ensuring the red meat industry continues to thrive.”

The series of engagements included:

• Conservative MP Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) visited McIntosh Donald, Kepak on 5 August, where he addressed several critical issues affecting the agriculture sector. QMS highlighted the challenges of labour supply through the skilled worker scheme, the importance of multi-annual, ring-fenced funding for agriculture in Scotland from Westminster, the potential issues posed by the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation implementation, the cost of trade, such as Export Health Certificates
• Labour MP Richard Baker (Central Fife) made a visit to Alex Mitchell Butchers in Glenrothes on 19 August to gain insights into the Scottish red meat supply chain and the industry operations specific to the Mid Fife constituency.
• Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) attended Orkney Mart, focusing on the mart's operations. QMS highlighed the importance of multi-annual, ring-fenced funding for agriculture in Scotland from Westminster, and challenges and opportunities in the red meat supply chain specific to Orkney.

Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS commented: “I am deeply encouraged by the proactive engagement of our newly elected and re-elected MPs in the red meat industry. These visits are an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the crucial role this sector plays in supporting rural communities, providing jobs, and sustaining our national economy.

“By highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain, we can ensure our MPs understand the importance of reserved policy support in areas such as immigration and trade in maintaining the long-term sustainability of our industry. Their involvement is key to driving the future growth and resilience of Scotland's red meat sector.”

In addition, QMS is committed to ongoing engagement with MSPs on devolved matters and at the end of July, met with Scottish Conservative MSP and Convener of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee, Finlay Carson (Dumfries and Galloway) at Dumfries Monitor Farm. Discussions centered on Scottish agricultural policy reform and the Monitor Farm programme.

QMS encourages further dialogue between MPs and the industry and invites other MPs to visit key industry sites. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us at externalaffairs@qmscotland.co.uk.