A major recruitment drive is being launched this month to increase the membership of Quality Meat Scotland’s quality assurance schemes.
The campaign is being launched along with a range of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the quality assurance schemes which underpin the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands.
Scotland’s quality assurance schemes are among the longest-running in the world with the concept first being introduced in 1990. QMS states that currently over 90% of Scotland’s breeding cattle population and 80% of the breeding sheep flock are from farms covered by quality assurance, along with almost 100% of significant pig farming businesses.
Jim McLaren, chairman of QMS, urged livestock farmers and others in the industry to get behind the campaign.
“It is important that everyone in our industry plays a part in encouraging any weak links in the chain which are not assured to join. Whether they are farmers, hauliers, feed companies, auction markets or processors, it is vital they understand the importance of whole chain quality assurance to the future of their businesses and our industry,” he said.
Quality Assurance scheme membership is open to farms of all sizes – from large finishing units to much smaller businesses with a few cattle, sheep or pigs. The fee charged varies with the size of the unit and discounts are available for crofting groups and those who combine assessments with those for other schemes.
Farmers who would like more information on joining the QMS Quality Assurance schemes should contact SFQC on info@sfqc.co.uk or call 0131-335 6602.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
