Mission Statement

The Scottish Beef Cattle Association through communication and discussion will support and promote the beef industry in Scotland to achieve a better understanding between the producer, the processor and the consumer to ensure viability throughout the industry.

The new political dawn in Scotland heralds opportunities for the Scottish Beef Cattle Association to lobby government to give urgent priority to our specialist beef industry.  The victory of the SNP and the arrival of Richard Lochhead as Cabinet Secretary has been significant in that they share the passion of SBCA to put Scotland first and fight our corner as only a dedicated Scottish body can.

Beef production is one of our great Scottish industries and should be championed by government with the same vigour demonstrated by countries like Ireland. SBCA are determined to take this message forward to First Minister Alex Salmond and Mr Lochhead at the earliest opportunity and we have identified six priorities for action:

1. Increase the ex-farm price of beef in Scotland. One area already receiving our intention is the reduction of processing costs which are ultimately passed back to producers. For example, the adoption of new technology to improve grading by video image analysis (VIA) is fully supported by SBCA.
2. Maintain and build the Scottish premium. The premium over other countries is both real and deserved based on the superior quality of Scottish beef.  This has been achieved by significant producer investments on farms and in organisatioons like QMS over many years.  A premium brand needs to be protected by tight labelling legislation and SBCA fully supports QMS in extending beef labelling regulations to the important restaurant sector.  Our aim must be to win a premium position on export markets similar to the 20% wholesale premium held by Scottish salmon in France - a position that we held for beef prior to the BSE crisis.
3. Demand a level playing-field for beef imported to the EU. Standards demanded from Scottish farmers must be applied to all competitors. SBCA are liaising with Irish farming and political leaders and putting pressure on EU officials with particular reference to Brazilian beef imports.
4. Consult and negotiate with the Scottish Government to ensure fair and efficient actions for Scottish beef producers in the areas of SFP, animal health and transport.
5. Represent beef producers on QMS and other standard setting bodies.  The standards and inspection protocols were designed by farmers and need to be constantly reviewed - particularly when ownership of QMS transfers to government.
6. Support all other organisations representing Scottish beef producer's interests - particularly NFUS, SAMW and QMS.  Working together, we can exert additional influence on consultations and negotiations with government policy makers.

We have watched successive UK governments walk away from our industry. Just look at how Hilary Benn treated us regarding FMD compensation.  The time is right for SBCA to engage fully with the new Scottish Government and reverse the decline in profitability and confidence in our Scottish beef producers.

Brian Simpson