Why do we stick with EUROP?

I have long been a critic of the EUROP grading system and previously voiced my dislike of it in The Scottish Farmer. The SF’s editorial team deserves considerable credit for running with this topic over many years.

In this letter, I deal primarily with the cattle grading system but we must remember it is also applied to sheep. (they’ve not been forgotten in the debate!)

In summary, the EUROP system deals/pays on the shape of a carcase. It is akin to buying whisky based on the shape of the bottle, rather than the taste and quality of the contents. Nobody is daft enough to buy whisky based on the shape of the bottle, surely?

This system was imposed by the EU under a 'Council Regulation'. Then, we had no choice in the matter but now? What do we do? Do nothing, or use an alternative existing system?

What do we really want? What are the Scottish beef industry’s primary aims? In an ideal world, everybody would drink and eat 'Scotch'. Demand would outstrip supply and we’ll all get rich in the process. A possibility with the drink (I contribute a little), but less likely with the beef.

Retain EUROP and we’ll continue to produce a product that is measured using a system only those in the EU understand. What does an -U4H sirloin steak taste like? How does it compare to a USDA Prime?

Do nothing and our beef industry will continue its current path of decline. Cows are too much hard work and too little return for most sane people.

Compared to the others, our sirloin, per lb (no kg now!), costs a fortune to produce. Australia, Canada and the US all measure in lbs and are poised to ship their low-cost beef our way as soon as we sign our departure from the EU. Trade deals? – you can be sure beef is included.

UK meat consumption is circa 80kg per person per year. A lowly 30th place compared to first place USA at 120kg of meat per person per year, followed by Australia 3rd, New Zealand 6th, Denmark 13th and Canada 14th placed. We’re 30th!

Who do we really want to sell to? Who is going to pay producers the best? Do we focus on the home market or exporting to Europe or the rest of the world?

We already produce a similar product to the big three. Where do you think they got their genetics from in the first place?

Despite using the EUROP system, a few retailers realised that branded beef was in demand by the consumer – I refer to the schemes that pay additional premiums for specific breeds and genetics. Not ethical to mention precisely due to impartiality but black cattle are popular, ones with white faces, roan ones and the hairy breed about Christmas time.

These schemes should be applauded and smart farmers should quickly see their merits, meaning a few more £s to the bank. But there is always a danger that these genetics get diluted and the consumer doesn’t really get 100% Scotch or pure-bred.

Why do processors pay these premiums? They don’t do it out of kindness and generosity to producers. The additional costs get passed onto the consumer who are willing to pay the extra for these products.

So, which market should we focus our beef production on? We target consumers and countries that consume a lot of beef, are willing to pay but we must use a system they understand.

The EUROP debate is a debate about eating quality which ultimately means genetics. In general terms, native genetics tend to produce marbling, Continental genetics tend not to marble. Ever wondered why?

Marbling is fat reserves stored in muscle to see cattle through cold, wet winters. Native-bred genetics benefit from an accident of evolution, stored intramuscular fat just makes them taste better.

If we see a future for the Scotch beef industry, it is exporting to a world that understands and already uses a grading system that measures marbling. Since 1981, we have been the odd one out.

Our export customers must be able to compare like with like. No use saying an R4L sirloin is like a USDA Choice – small – they won’t understand.

It’s a big world out there beyond Europe and they all measure marbling.

Conclusion: Retain EUROP and we restrict our exports indefinitely only to the EU, assuming they will take our beef. They will forgive us for Brexit eventually!

Adopt a system that is understood in the rest of the world, our new export market. Sell in terms that they understand, like for like, from which we can grow our industry.

The best form of defence is attack. We must brace ourselves once the trade deals are signed and be ready to send our best in return.

There is only one recommendation: Fully implement the USDA grading system in Scotland and emphasise our real strategic advantage – Scotch Beef guaranteed hormone-free.

The Disgruntled Drover

(Name and address supplied)