Following a powerful opening day at the Royal Highland Show 2025, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group (SRMRG) proudly launched the Meating Our Potential pledge, a collective and unwavering commitment to support and strengthen Scotland\u2019s locally produced, sustainable red meat supply chain.<\/p>\n
Unveiled at QMS\u2019s business breakfast at the show to over 300 industry leaders\u2014from farmers and processors to auctioneers and retailers\u2014the pledge sends a clear, united message: Scotland\u2019s producers have the full backing of the entire supply chain and both the Scottish and UK governments as they rise to meet growing consumer demand for quality, low-emissions beef, pork, and lamb.<\/p>\n
Signatories include all 11 founding organisations of the SRMRG, alongside an expanding coalition of retailers, farming groups, agriculture and food organisations demonstrating a powerful united front to: The pledge was signed on-site by 28 influential leaders representing every facet of Scotland\u2019s red meat sector, alongside senior political figures from both the Scottish and UK Governments including First Minister, John Swinney and Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray. This unprecedented show of unity highlights the sector\u2019s determination to safeguard Scotland\u2019s heritage of quality, sustainable red meat production while meeting the challenges of a changing global market.<\/p>\n Further to the full SRMRG, key industry leaders who signed include:<\/p>\n Political leadership underscoring the pledge\u2019s significance included:<\/p>\n This exceptional coalition reflects a shared conviction that Scotland\u2019s red meat sector is a cornerstone of the nation\u2019s security, economy, environment, health and culture.<\/p>\n QMS Chair Kate Rowell said: <\/strong>\u201cThis pledge represents a defining moment for Scotland\u2019s red meat industry. At a time when rising imports threaten our domestic supply, it is essential we stand united behind our farmers and producers. This early endorsement from across the industry and government is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Scottish beef, lamb and pork and its place at the heart of our sustainable food system.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Meating Our Potential pledge is more than words \u2014 it is a firm promise backed by leadership and action from across Scotland\u2019s red meat industry to prioritise provenance, champion local farmers, and uphold the highest standards of quality and sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon, speaking at the QMS stand during the industry breakfast, said: <\/strong>While we have accepted the Climate Change Commitee’s proposed carbon budget levels to reach net zero, we will not be accepting their policy recommendations which would have had a detrimental impact on our agriculture sector and wider rural economy.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me be crystal clear: this government has no policy, and will have no policy, to cut livestock numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n Organisations yet to sign the pledge are encouraged to join the movement for Scotland\u2019s red meat future by signing online: Meating Our Potential Pledge<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\u201cFeed our growing nation with locally produced, sustainable red meat.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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