Quality Meat Scotland highlighted its plans to support the growth of Scotland’s red meat industry at its recent parliamentary reception.
The event, which took place on the 17 January, was hosted by QMS and sponsored by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire and South Kinross-shire, and highlighted the role that the Scottish red meat supply chain plays in the nation’s economy, wider society and its sustainability objectives.
The reception welcomed 130 attendees from across the red meat supply chain and a number of MSPs from urban and rural constituencies and regions across Scotland. During the event, attendees learned about the work QMS has been doing to promote, protect, support and develop the Scottish red meat supply chain, with a focus on Scotland’s society, economy, environment, food security and public health.
Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, also gave an address to the audience.
Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire and South Kinross-shire, said: “Supporting Scotland’s red meat industry is something I take great pride in doing. The red meat sector has a significant positive impact on the Scottish economy, environment and society – ensuring food security is safeguarded and encouraging locally sourced and regenerative purchases and, because of this, it is vital that we look at ways to nurture and grow the supply chain.”
Sarah Millar, Chief Executive at QMS, added: “The Scottish red meat supply chain generates over £2 billion annually to Scotland’s economy, which is why it’s so essential for us to showcase the work we do to support well-managed livestock to help deliver sustainable farming systems whilst also conserving Scotland’s food security.”
