Beef body line up revealed

The 'Beef 2020' industry group, the creation of which was announced by farming minister Richard Lochhead at AgriScot in November, will deliver recommendations to facilitate 'long term growth' in beef production within Scotland. It will be chaired by Quality Meat Scotland chairman Jim McLaren.

Fellow members of the group have now been revealed – Rob Livesey of NFU Scotland; Scott Henderson of the Scottish Beef Association; Ian Anderson of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers; Alan Kennedy of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Associations; James Graham of the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society; Gavin Hill of SRUC; John Gregor of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland; retail sector representative Louise Welsh; James Withers of Scotland Food and Drink; Frank Strang/Martin Morgan of the Scottish Government; and Uel Morton/Stuart Ashworth of QMS.

“There is a need for strong and innovative collaborative action across the entire supply chain to make the most of the developing opportunities,” said Mr Lochhead. “I am delighted that Jim has formed such a wide ranging and diverse group with an in-depth knowledge of, and passion for, the Scottish beef sector – a passion which I share.”

The Beef 2020 group is keen to hear constructive views of others working in the Scottish red meat industry on the opportunities to drive growth in the Scottish beef industry and thoughts and suggestions for the group to consider can be emailed to [email protected]