Concerns have been raised that changes to Quality Meat Scotland's farm assurance standards will 'alienate' many of the smaller producers in the crofting areas due to the additional costs involved.

Last month, QMS unveiled re-vamped standards for sheep and cattle accreditation which will come into force this year, saying that with “reassurance about the way animals are looked after becoming ever more important to consumers” the changes were “essential to underpin the integrity of our premium Scotch brands”.

However, not everyone is convinced, and some even believe the new regime will have a negative effect. The main bone of contention concerns the requirement to have an annual health plan devised in partnership with the local vet, which could end up costing hundreds of pounds. For the likes of crofters, and those with small numbers of livestock, this may prove prohibitive.

National Farmers’ Union Less Favoured Areas committee chair Robert MacDonald said: “I think, ultimately, this will lead to a reduction in the membership of QMS. There will be people who will now feel it is just not worthwhile for them being in the scheme, unfortunately.

“There will be many farmers and crofters who will find it difficult to make up a health plan themselves and will to a professional to get one made up and go to a vet for it to be signed off. That could run into hundreds of pounds which is a big additional cost to crofters and small holders.”

Mr MacDonald felt that QMS did not fully appreciate the significance of the changes for many of their crofting and small-holding members.

QMS assessor in the Outer Isles, Alex MacDonald, said: “I know of members who are now considering not renewing their membership because of the changes. In the past we always had input from the crofting bodies when standards were being set. It doesn’t appear this was the case this time.”

In response, QMS chief executive Alan Clarke said they would take steps to try and deal directly with crofters' concerns.

“We’re having to look all the time to make sure our standards are fit for purpose,” said Mr Clarke. “We’ve decided to make this change this year but we’re going to take 12 months to actually implement it.

“During these 12 months we will be holding workshops in the islands where we hope to bring together groups of crofters. We’ve developed some easy-to-use forms and they can also email their vet. We will also be encouraging crofters to get together collaboratively and collectively to meet with the vet.”

He added: “The last thing we want to do is put increased costs into the supply chain, but we are having to meet the needs of consumers. We have 10,000 voluntary members just now and we have to protect that.”

Mr Clarke said that they will announce the dates for the workshops after April: “Any crofter who gets a visit in the next 12 months will be advised that at their next they will have to have a health plan signed off by a vet. It doesn’t have to be completed by a vet, it can be completed by the farmer or the crofter and that’s what we’re trying to do with the workshops.

“The workshops will run over the next six months and what we’re hoping to do is not just explain why we’re doing it but to listen as well, and to get the most cost effective way to give consumers that re-assurance.”