QMS welcomes no livestock cuts in Scotland’s climate action plan

Responding to the draft Climate Action Plan, QMS chief executive Sarah Millar said the statement reaffirmed a message first made at the organisation’s Royal Highland Show industry breakfast earlier this year, but stressed that the red meat sector remains fully committed to supporting Scotland’s net zero goals.

She said: “Scottish Government has reaffirmed its crystal clear commitment announced at the QMS Royal Highland Show industry breakfast that it has no policy, and will have no policy to cut livestock numbers. Whilst this is of course richly welcomed, the red meat sector knows this is not an exemption in our responsibilities towards supporting the net zero transition.

“Lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a natural priority for farmers and the wider red meat supply chain in Scotland. Sustainable practices and technologies is good business, resulting in greater productivity and profitability as well as more beneficial environmental outcomes.

“Agriculture is very much part of the solution to promoting biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Singular focus on emissions is problematic as it does not give the total picture of the multiple goods of livestock farming. This includes healthier soil, helping the environment to thrive and enhancing natural ecosystems, as well as carbon capture through on-farm absorption, above and below the soil."

She concluded: “Only by focussing on net emissions from Scottish farming – the balance between the amount of GHGs emitted versus the amount captured – can a true and fair circular economy approach be taken. This will ensure we can continue to play our part in feeding our growing nation, enhancing our natural environment and significantly supporting Scotland’s economy through our £3.5 billion red meat sector, supporting around 40,000 jobs.”