NFU Scotland are concerned at the recent announcement of significant increases in Food Standards Scotland (FSS) charges. The increases will result in serious and growing pressure on the red meat supply chain, with potential direct consequences for farmers. These concerns echo those raised by the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), who have warned that rising regulatory costs are becoming increasingly unsustainable for processors.

While these costs are primarily borne by processors, they are inevitably passed back to primary producers through lower prices or reduced market opportunities, at a time when margins are already under pressure and livestock numbers are declining. Although farmers have seen a fairer return for beef and lamb in recent years, much of this gain has been eroded by substantial increases in input costs such as fuel and fertiliser.