NFUS demands action over cheap meat imports

NFU Scotland has warned increasing amounts of imported of chicken and beef in supermarkets threaten Scottish farmers and consumer trust.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh, on Thursday (19 June), NFUS vice-president Robert Neill voiced strong concerns about the effect on Scottish farmers and growers.

“We are angry and deeply disappointed,” Mr Neill said. “Scottish farmers uphold world-leading standards in animal welfare, climate action and food quality, yet some supermarkets stock imported products that don’t meet the same bar.”

See also: Supermarkets alerted to £500m potential of Scottish produce

Mr Neill praised supermarkets supporting local farmers, but vowed to continue NFUS’s ShelfWatch campaign to monitor sourcing. “When there is Scottish product available, please put that at the top of your pecking order,” he said.

He highlighted how New Zealand sheep farmers visiting Scotland this week were impressed by the high standards in the country, and told him they were playing catch-up.

“Surely, beef and lamb being produced in New Zealand and shipped across the world cannot be good for the environment?” Mr Neill added.

Recent research by red meat levy board Quality Meat Scotland shows 90% of shoppers prefer Scottish meat – even if imports are 30% cheaper – but NFUS warns this choice is eroding.

Imported meat now accounts for 20% of own-label products across major retailers, putting the livelihoods of local producers at risk.

Mr Neill called on the Scottish government and retailers to introduce mandatory country-of-origin labelling, to commit to a “Scottish first” sourcing policy, and ensure farmers get a fair share of retail prices through transparency.

“This is about the livelihoods of farming families and the next generation wondering if they can continue their parents’ work,” Mr Neill said.

NFUS lobbying

NFU Scotland will keep pressing supermarkets during the Royal Highland Show for “real answers and real commitments”, championing Scotland’s farmers against undercutting imports.

Speaking at the QMS Breakfast briefing, Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon warned that UK trade deals – made without Scottish government input – are “causing real concern” by allowing lower-standard imports onto supermarket shelves.

“That’s simply not good enough,” she said. “That’s why we support the QMS’s call to put Scotland first and urge supermarkets to support our farmers and crofters.”