Scotland to increase meat spending in 2010

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is set to increase spending in support of its products to GBP7.3 million for 2010-11, an increase of 24%.

The new investment comes as a result of an increase in levy income, up from GBP3.9 million to GBP4.6 million and increased grant funding of GBP1.2 million.

QMS will also support the promotion of processed meat at the point of sale, and work more closely with local authorities to monitor the origin of red meat products.

Additional funding will also allow the Specially Selected Pork to promote higher production standards, based on collaboration with animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA.

QMS will start a three-year project to develop an integrated measurement of meat eating quality, as well as launching a reduced energy efficiency programme intended to assist the livestock sector to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions.

There will also be a series of 22 discussion groups throughout Scotland in the year ahead, to provide opportunities to discuss farm business improvements in an alternative format from the successful Monitor Farm programme run by QMS.

In addition, QMS's programme of animal health research will prioritise practical tests and control measures for Liver Fluke, Johne's and BVD, alongside the pig health improvement programme.