This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New research into Scottish meat quality
02/09/2002
A major study to explore new ways of producing meat that
will satisfy growing consumer demands for higher quality,
was announced today.
The Scottish Executive's Environment and Rural Affairs
Department (SEERAD) is funding the £500,000 project, which
is being led by the Scottish Agricultural College.
Making the announcement, Minister for the Environment
and Rural Development, Ross Finnie said:
"This project addresses two fundamental themes of "A
Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture" - the central
importance of quality production and producing a product
that consumers want to buy.
"Scottish meat already enjoys a world renowned
reputation for quality. But we need to work hard to
maintain and enhance this lead through continuously
reviewing the standards.
"Equally, we must be ever aware of what the consumer in
the different markets wants. Consistency of product -
particularly of meat eating quality - is crucial, not only
for existing markets, but also for new ones.
"This is a unique enterprise as it involves a
partnership, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of
leading scientists in this area, the industry and the
Department, all working towards the common aim of making
Scottish meat the best."
The research will be carried out by SAC in collaboration
with University of Bristol, University of Newcastle,
Scottish Food Quality Certification, and Biomathematics and
Statistics Scotland (BioSS).
The 18-month-long study will involve representatives
from all sectors of the Scottish meat (beef, lamb and pork)
industry. Scottish farmers and processors will be taking
part in the project by helping to test the new practices.
Quality Meat Scotland is working closely with SEERAD,
industry participants and the researchers to ensure the
project's success.
SEERAD is funding this project as part of its programme
of agricultural, biological and related research. More on
the SEERAD research programme can be found at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/abrg or
www.scienceseekers.org.uk
For more information on this project, contact:
Janette Elder at SAC on 0131 535 4185