Listen
Talks on sustainability of food industry
12/09/2007
First Minister Alex Salmond today called an urgent meeting of meat producers, processors, retailers and industry bodies to discuss ways they can work together to secure a sustainable future for Scottish produce.
The meeting is planned to take place in Edinburgh tomorrow evening.
Scottish farmers have expressed concern that spiralling international grain prices are putting pig and poultry producers, as well as other parts of the livestock sector, under extreme pressure that may force many operators out of business.
The meeting was planned before reports of a Foot and Mouth case in Surrey today and will now focus on both of these important issues, i.e. rising grain prices and FMD.
Feed and wheat prices have more than doubled in the past year and now top £160 per tonne. Feed costs represent 50 per cent of production costs for pigs and poultry.
At the meeting, Mr Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead will ask supermarkets, producers and processors to consider ways in which the food supply chain can ensure a sustainable future for Scottish meat products.
Mr Salmond said:
"This meeting was planned before reports of Foot and Mouth in Surrey. It is now doubly important, and will focus on both FMD and soaring cereal prices.
"There is no doubt that Scotland's livestock industry is facing a very difficult time, entirely due to factors outwith its control.
"We all want to make sure that future generations can continue to enjoy our excellent Scottish produce.
"Livestock farming and production make a huge contribution, not just to our economy, but also to our way of life.
"But high world prices for grain is putting the sector under enormous pressure. And reports of a Foot and Mouth case in Surrey could hardly have come at a worse time.
"We are bringing together producers, processors and leading supermarkets to meet to discuss ways in which our food supply chain can address the important issues at stake.
"Together, we can ensure this critically important Scottish industry has a long term future. That is in everybody's interest."
Mr Lochhead added:
"There is obviously now added urgency to the meeting planned for Thursday. The Scottish Government will bring together meat producers, processors, retailers and industry bodies to help find ways to overcome the major challenges Scottish agriculture is now facing."