T. 07768 654955 E. scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
The conclusions reached by the Scudamore panel in favour of a standalone Scottish FSA provide a clear, welcome and positive basis on which to move the meat chain in Scotland forward says Alan Craig, SAMW President.
“The proposal for a standalone FSA in Scotland is in the best interests of Scotland and offers the chance for a welcome fresh start for everyone involved in meat production, processing, retailing and consumption,” said Mr Craig. “The panel undertook a challenging task and has delivered a clear, thoughtful and progressive report which we hope will result in a rapid move towards the early implementation of its conclusions.
“While the implementation itself will require careful management, we believe there is now an opportunity for the whole meat chain to embrace genuine operational harmony and a truly positive partnership between industry and regulators. The proposed new body will also ensure that food safety and consumer confidence remains at the forefront of our industry within a rigorous, but effective, hygiene and inspection process.
“We’ve believed for a while that a clean slate was needed if the industry in Scotland was to be allowed to move forward as a modern, efficient and responsible sector. The panel’s conclusions give us that chance and we look forward to working with industry partners to achieve the new vision which is now before us.”
To access the full report click here and select ‘View as HTML’ or the alternative download option as listed in the right hand column
An impressive line-up of speakers will address SAMW’s annual conference, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the debate on April 28, as the following profiles reveal:
George Lyon
George Lyon is the Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland and the lead spokesperson for agriculture and rural affairs for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe.
He’s playing a leading role in the Reform of the CAP and has been heavily involved with the beef trade deal involving the United States and Mercosur negotiations.
Ray Jones
Ray Jones is well known to delegates for his achievements as chief executive of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, a post he relinquished one year ago.
Now Chair of Scotland Food & Drink, his inside view on how the value Scotland’s food industry can be advanced to £12.5 billion by 2017 will make interesting listening for meat sector leaders on April 28.
Mark Thomson
Mark Thomson is Business Unit Director at Kantar Worldpanel, a leading player when it comes to understanding grocery shopping habits throughout GB as well as around the globe.
Looking after clients in Scotland and Ireland, Mark has worked with all of the main retailers, as well as their customers within the meat and poultry sector including QMS, Vion and Tulip, to name a few.
Jean-Luc Mériaux
Jean-Luc Mériaux is a regular and welcome contributor to SAMW conferences, providing members and guests with a sharp overview of EU issues from his position as Secretary General of UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trading Union).
Representing 20,000 firms across Europe, UECBV is the mouthpiece of national federations, including SAMW, representing livestock markets, livestock and meat traders, slaughterhouses, cutting plants and meat preparation plants.
For full conference and dinner dance details click here
After a year of economic downturn and record prices for livestock and other inputs, it’s time to explore how to improve our situation going forward. To address this challenge, SAMW has selected ‘Pursuit of Growth’ as this year’s conference theme and invited four top level speakers to examine a compelling range of major Scottish, UK, EU and global solutions.
Speakers:
George Lyon, Member of the European Parliament Agriculture Committee
Ray Jones, Chairman of Scotland Food and Drink
Mark Thomson, Kantar Worldpanel
Jean-Luc Meriaux, Secretary General of UECBV
There will also be ample opportunities for members and guests to ask questions and voice opinions on what the ‘Pursuit of Growth’ means for our industry.
The conference, which runs from 9.45am to lunch, will be followed by SAMW traditional annual dinner and dance, starting at 7pm
The venue, which is the same as in 2011, is the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow.
Booking forms have been issued but anyone who hasn’t already received the necessary details should contact Ian Anderson, Executive Manager by email on ianranderson@btinternet.com
SAMW issued the following press comment after the publication of the Scottish Government’s December 2011 Agricultural survey.
“The newly released farm census figures confirm the worrying decline in livestock numbers which our members have been seeing for many months,” said Alan Craig, SAMW president.
“The fact that we now have firm statistics which substantiate, once and for all, what we’ve been saying means the action from now on can be focused 100% on ensuring that CAP Reform delivers a lasting solution to the serious shortage of raw materials facing the meat sector. There is definitely no more time to be lost in debating possible trends and impressions. We now know the facts and need a solution that works for the future good of the whole meat chain in Scotland.”
To view the survey click here
SAMW has been widely quoted in the press concerning the recent release of audit report from the FSA.
Click here to see the online report carried by the Meat Trades Journal
T: 07768 654955 E: scott.walker@scconsultancy.uk
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