The Scottish Government needs to focus on domestic affairs before saving the planet according to The President of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers Alan Brown.

Using his opening address at the recent Annual Conference at Ingliston, the site director at Kepak McIntosh Donald warned that 'Scotland needs to save itself before it can go on to save the world'.

In an impassioned speech the former Buchan Meats employee set out some of the challenges facing the sector and called upon businesses in the meat trade to collaborate to succeed.

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He said: “We are suffering from constant pressure, which is largely outside our control. We do not take our place at the table for granted, we earn it every day.

“It has been a challenge over the past two years. While we are competing against each other for livestock, we must come together to tackle these challenges collectively. A significant decline in cattle numbers poses a serious risk to the industry. If livestock numbers continue to fall, it will threaten the broader economic landscape.

"At the very least, we need to stabilise the herd and promote productivity growth. Whilst we have heard reassurances, there is no agenda to address the decline. We don’t need words but actions to turn the numbers around. We need policies that ensure growth, not contribute to decline.

“Scotland needs to save itself before it can go on to save the world.”

The Portlethen abattoir manager went on to explain the importance of fostering a collaborative approach between industry, government, and regulators. He said: “We need concrete solutions and partners who fully understand the cost pressures. We need clear sight of shared goals. We cannot work without each other; if there is no solution, there will be no action.”

He then issued a stark warning: “Critical mass will reduce, and the landscape will change. It will change the faces looking at me now. We won’t be here unless the cattle decline is reversed.”