04/07/2007

With beef prices around five per cent lower than this time last year National Farmers' Union Scotland has planned talks with the major retailers on the future of the Scottish beef industry.  

NFUS is urging retailers to provide a long-term commitment to beef producers and a rise in the farmgate price. In particular, the Union wants the major supermarkets to establish direct relationships with farmers to improve communication in a fragmented supply chain.

NFUS president Jim McLaren said: “Farmers are seeing increasing consumer support for local produce like Scotch beef, yet this is completely failing to translate into a sustainable farmgate price. I have been encouraged by the willingness of the supermarkets to engage in the discussions, but their words of support need to translate into action. There is no doubt in my mind that the communication gap between farmers at one end of the supply chain and supermarkets at the other is far too big. The retailers need to understand the pressure being felt at the farmgate, just as farmers need a better understanding of what the market is looking for."