Setting the Scene with QMS

We note that 60% of the budget is already committed and some things might not be able to be changed even if the new QMS Board would want it to.

The issue of supply does concern the membership but we note that we will have an opportunity to feedback our views in the consultation due soon on the CAP Health Check and EU policy. We feel that incentivising production of quality beef is important and agree that it will be important to base any argument on fact.

Labelling is an issue that upsets many butchers although quite a few probably perpetuate similar practices for their own benefit. We are sure that you will recall the Gallowgate butchers displays with 'Finest Scotch' stabbers in every window when clearly it was not always 'Finest' and debatable with country of origin.

Nevertheless the vast majority would like to see more accurate and less misleading labelling in multiples. A recent report from the Scottish Consumer Council, a copy of which Lauren has seen, highlighted this and the confusion over labelling of mince as Scottish even when it was packed, quite legitimately, in England.

We agree that there was broad agreement that generic advertising in Scotland provided some spin off to the independent sector. Members would also appreciate the 'Feel Good about Meat' style campaigns that strengthen the products importance in terms of Diet and Health. Douglas Scott had a long chat with Isobel Ann Johnston at Beef Expo 2008 last week and appreciate the scale of the work. SFMTA have included information about what QMS do with schools in the June Newsletter. Laurent could possibly arrange a presentation but the Executive do not particularly like being talked at.

As you will have detected engagement with QMS staff at Executive meetings is not always positive and Douglas will have a chat with Uel about that. I think in the past presentations, possibly falsely, gave the impression that the ideas were for bouncing off the Executive and that they would have some effective feedback. If this could be achieved it would be welcomed.

Generally SFMTA feel that QMS are good at issuing press statements telling us about the activity but not so good when it comes to getting information on what actually goes out to Scotch Butchers Club members and what promotional material is forthcoming.

John Chapman raised the matter of the quality of Boxed beef and possibly the only control QMS has over that is in the Standards Setting Committee for the brand. Jamie Chapman is a member of that committee.

There are aspects of QMS' work that SFMTA has absolutely no problems with and greatly appreciate e.g. market information, trends surveys, etc. Much of the problem comes through lack of communication and how SFMTA is engaged.