The voice of the Scottish Beef Industry, the Scottish Beef Association (SBA), has today given cautious support to the Scottish Government’s decision to allow genuinely dual purpose cattle to be eligible for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSSBS).
Following recent press reports the SBA, who work to support Beef Farmers throughout Scotland, sought clarification on this from the Scottish Government and NFUS. While the rules appear to have been moved to allow calves from the Fleckvieh breed to become eligible under the SSSBS , the breed must clearly demonstrate that they are part of a suckler beef system.
Commenting on the decision SBA Chairman, Neil McCorkindale, said:
“We understand that dual-purpose breed such as the Fleckvieh are being used in sucker herds and we would not want to see those farmers being disadvantaged. However, I wish to assure beef producers across Scotland that this is not a “lid-off” situation.”
“The SBA remain totally opposed to opening the scheme to dairy breeds. Scottish beef farmers have spent many years building a reputation of producing a product of the highest quality and we will do everything we can to protect this hard-won reputation.”
In ensuring the most positive outcomes for the beef industry in Scotland and interests of beef producers the SBA have asked that the Scottish Government keep them informed of any further rule changes which they are considering and which would dilute support payments to beef producers.
For further information please contact – Barbara Huddart – 01668283044 – 07980850394
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