Higher levy rates confirmed in Scotland and Wales from April

Scottish ministers have approved a 6.8% levy rise to fund Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) from 1 April 2024, the first such increase for 13 years.

About 75% of the QMS levy is spent on marketing and communications, with the remaining 25% spent on industry development.

QMS is proposing that, in the future, the levy rate should increase on an annual basis, linked to inflation, even though this would still require ministerial approval to sense check any major changes.

See also: Steep rise in AHDB levies from April, ministers confirm

QMS chairman Kate Rowell said: “‘We are pleased that Scottish ministers have approved the levy increase, which will ensure continuation of the work that QMS has committed to prioritising for farmers and processors across Scotland.

“The new rates will allow us to invest in our key activities underpinning our vision to make Scotland the choice for premium red meat, during a critical time for all businesses.

“QMS will continue to proactively engage with the whole red meat chain as we navigate the future together, and look forward to showcasing some of our new work streams over the coming months.”

Wales

An increase in the red meat levy in Wales has also been announced, with a 4.2% rise scheduled from April 2024 onwards.

The levy rate in Wales was first linked to annual inflation in 2023 by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) to ensure that levy income was maintained in real terms.

HCC’s head of strategic marketing and connections, Laura Pickup, said: “Given the breadth and depth of the challenges facing the Welsh red meat industry, it is essential that the Welsh red meat industry has a sufficiently funded red meat body to undertake development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat, both at home and abroad.”

How the levy rates compare

AHDB also recently increased its levy rates for producers in England, with a 25% levy increase for beef and sheep farmers and a 20% increase for pig producers – the first of such rises in more than a decade.

English producers will face the highest levy rates for cattle, calves, and sheep out of the three nations, while Welsh farmers will face the highest levy rates for pigs.