Scotland's red meat sector has enormous growth potential with growing domestic and international demand.  But that potential has been squandered by years of political indifference, shallow words, and a lack of meaningful action.

"Farmers, meat processors and retail leaders will once again converge on this week's Royal Highland Show to celebrate the strength and heritage of Scotland's livestock and red meat production," said Alan Brown, President of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW).  "But behind the fanfare and displays lies a far more fragile reality—one of shrinking livestock numbers, underutilised processing capacity, and rising imports.

"Sadly, the quality of livestock on display across the showground is not being matched by on-farm numbers, where falling production is leaving Scotland's meat plants running at no better than 70% operating capacity and with some retailers looking abroad to fill shelves, despite Scotland's unmatched natural assets for sustainable red meat production.  The recent closure of a member plant is yet another stark warning—jobs lost, supply chains broken, and another outlet removed for Scottish farmers."

The fragility of Scotland's processing sector was shown again this month with the plant closure, removing a valuable outlet for farmers and losing important jobs from the affected location.  SAMW has warned repeatedly that such closures are a constant risk for our industry and it is no comfort whatsoever to be proved right, once again. 

"We've been sounding the alarm for years," said Brown.  "This isn't a surprise—it's the inevitable result of political complacency and an unwillingness to replace policies that have not and will not work. The continued decline we've seen in livestock numbers is the result of what, in practical terms, amounts to reduction by stealth, orchestrated by government.

"Politicians will again walk the Highland Show, praising Scottish livestock, pledging their support, and delivering all the right soundbites.  But soundbites don't stop decline.  Soundbites don't rebuild breeding herds.  Soundbites don't keep processors in business."

Farmers and processors are calling for more than admiration—they need policy certainty on future support, the ability to plan across multi-year cycles, and a government that truly understands the mechanics and potential of the red meat supply chain.

"Properly backed, encouraged, and supported, Scotland's meat and livestock chain could deliver a significant GDP boost for the national economy over the next decade," he said. "The sector is ready to grow, to invest, to lead—but only if governments match the industry's ambition with real-world, strategic support.

"This year's Royal Highland Show comes at a pivotal time for Scottish red meat.  Scotland must decide: do we build a thriving, value-adding red meat sector—or do we stand by and watch it decline?  The choice is stark.  And we can't afford to get it wrong."