Quality Meat Scotland seeks industry views on DNA testing
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is exploring the potential to introduce a DNA testing programme to further underpin the existing measures to guarantee the authenticity of Scotch Beef PGI.
Speaking at this week’s NFU Scotland Livestock Roadshow, QMS’s chief executive Alan Clarke said the body is seeking feedback from all parts of the Scottish red meat industry on the potential benefits of introducing an official programme of DNA testing for beef.
Pictured (L-R): Alan Clarke, chief executive, QMS, and Jim McLaren, chairman, QMS.
Clarke explained that it is vital the industry is able to robustly defend the integrity of the brand and all that sets it apart from any unscrupulous activity.
He noted that the introduction of a DNA monitoring programme would “further strengthen the checks already in place” to underpin the brand’s integrity.
Clarke added: “This could include the establishment of a Scottish Cattle DNA Database which would underpin the existing quality assurance and brands integrity measures in place for Scotch Beef PGI.”
During his address to farmers in Orkney, Clarke also highlighted some of the priorities he had identified since taking over the reins as chief executive of QMS in July, to ensure the Scottish red meat industry is well-placed to address the challenges and seize the opportunities in the post-Brexit era.
“The key areas I will be focusing on in the coming months include how we can further drive best value return for our levy payers’ money,” he stated.
“And another key area I will be looking closely at is how we can further develop our stakeholder partnerships to jointly promote our brands.”
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