Protect

Supporting the Industry During Coronavirus

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has implemented a range of measures to make sure we’re doing everything we can to look after the wellbeing of our colleagues, stakeholder and partners during the coronavirus pandemic. In doing so, we can continue to develop, support, promote and protect the red meat industry through these unprecedented times.

These measures include suspending all routine, face-to-face assessments to processors, auction marts, hauliers, pig and cattle & sheep farms from 5.00pm on Wednesday 18th March 2020 for a minimum period of 1 month. During the cessation of physical assessments, a remote/desktop assessment programme will be implemented. This will ensure that members certification continues seamlessly in these exceptional circumstances.

QMS is rigorously following the latest advice from the Scottish and UK Governments and is communicating this out daily to the supply chain to allow members to minimise the impact of the virus on farm and in businesses, and also make sure everyone stays safe.

These updates have included template letters for key workers in food production covering movement to and from work and the other for childcare, available business support and information on the government’s job retention scheme, and critical guidance for businesses in Scotland on social distancing, including the closure of all retailers that sell non-essential goods and other non-essential premises.

QMS has also set up a dedicated page on its website to provide the Scottish red meat industry with the most up-to-date information relating to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and is posting a constant flow of information on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Of course, consumers are still front of mind in QMS activities and we are working hard to promote our delicious and versatile products, Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork, through recipe inspiration and inspiring content. Public relations (PR) activity is also focussed on highlighting the good news stories throughout the supply chain whilst utilising media and social media influencers to showcase recipes.

To sign up for daily news bulletins, please visit the QMS homepage. If you have any news you would like to share with us, please contact: info@qmscotland.co.uk

 

 

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Thanks – and stay safe