Gougeon vows to protect livestock numbers in Scotland

Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon has delivered a firm rebuke of the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) recommendations to cut livestock numbers as part of the nation’s net-zero strategy.

Speaking at the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) breakfast event at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday (19 June), Ms Gougeon emphasised the Scottish government’s unwavering support for the livestock sector – a cornerstone of Scotland’s £15bn food and drink economy.

“Let me be absolutely crystal clear, this government has no policy and will have no policy to cut livestock numbers,” Ms Gougeon said.

See also: Farmers reject CCC’s call for livestock reduction targets

While acknowledging the CCC’s advice on carbon budgets, Ms Gougeon stressed: “While we have accepted the CCC proposed carbon budget levels to reach net zero, we will not be accepting their policy recommendations [to cut livestock numbers] which would have had a detrimental impact on our agricultural sector and wider rural economy.”

She called for partnership with farmers and crofters, underlining that climate policies must be developed collaboratively.

“Ultimately, we want our policies to be designed with you, not something that is done to you,” she said.

Ms Gougeon also announced new government initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable farming and rural communities.

These include the launch of a code of practice for sustainable and regenerative agriculture and the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), which will provide £14m in flexible capital support, prioritising young farmers, small farms, and tenants.

Beyond climate issues, Ms Gougeon warned of urgent threats from livestock diseases such as bluetongue and African swine fever, and voiced concern over trade deals allowing imported products made to lower standards.

“We support the QMS call to put Scotland first,” she said, urging supermarket buyers to back domestic producers.

QMS campaign

Speaking to delegates before Ms Gougeon, QMS chairman Kate Rowell highlighted the red meat levy body’s “Meating Our Potential” campaign, which aims to boost Scotland’s beef sector by increasing livestock numbers and improving productivity.

QMS chairman Kate Rowell © MAG/Philip Case

With modest herd growth, Ms Rowell said Scotland could add 79,000 cows to its national herd and generate an extra £281m in output.

The campaign emphasises sustainability, food security, and rural resilience, calling on farmers and industry partners to collaborate.

Producer toolkit

A new producer toolkit will soon be available on the QMS website to provide practical support to help farmers grow profitable, sustainable herds and meet rising demand for Scottish red meat.

Ms Gougeon, who is SNP MSP for Angus North and Mearns, announced in March she will be stepping down from Holyrood at the forthcoming election next May after 10 years in office.

Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed optimism for the future of Scottish agriculture.

“I believe that Scotland is better placed than anywhere else to farm and produce livestock sustainably, profitably and with world-leading welfare standards,” she said.

Ms Gougeon also thanked the industry she has championed.

“It has honestly been the privilege of my life to have worked with every individual across this really passionate, innovative, and brilliant industry,” she said.