NFUS has spelt out the potential damage to the environment of relying on imported beef to meet the demands of UK consumers. The statement comes on the back of recent drops in the farmgate price of beef in Scotland, which have caused alarm amongst farmers.

Farmgate beef prices have tumbled in recent weeks, partly due to the impact of imports from South America. NFUS is concerned that the Scottish beef industry is being undermined by buying policies which increase the UK's reliance on imports and adds to the considerable problem of food miles. Cheaper Brazilian beef, for example, is being transported half way round the world for sale in UK supermarkets, despite world-class Scotch beef being produced on our doorsteps. The environmental cost associated with Brazilian farming was highlighted recently by the United Nations, which emphasised the damage to the Brazilian rainforests.

NFUS believes that the UK market must deliver a fairer price to farmers, reflecting the quality of Scotch beef and the production assurances it carries. In the absence of that, beef producers may question their future commitment to the sector, leading to increased imports of food into the UK.

NFUS President John Kinnaird, speaking from the Turiff Agricultural Show today, said:

"The awareness of the problems associated with climate change and environmental pollution have never been greater. Yet, still we find increases in imports of food from half way round the world, simply because it is a few pounds cheaper than the quality produced in this country.

"The damage to the Brazilian rainforests is well known and recent UN announcements further emphasised the role that cattle production has played in the destruction. In contrast, Scottish beef is governed by world-class standards of production. However, that good work is being undermined by cheaper imports, many of which cannot carry the same guarantees.

"There is no shortage of beef in this country, however it is the market's responsibility to create the price incentive for farmers to produce. The market is failing and Scottish farmers cannot afford to be failed much longer.

"Domestic beef has moved onto the UK market earlier since the subsidy rules changed and Irish beef, originally destined for the Russian market, is now entering the UK as well. Whilst both these factors have exacerbated the current price problem, the role of South American imports must not be under-estimated. If these imports continue to undermine the sector and drive down prices, farmers may question their long-term commitment to the industry. That would result in a greater reliance on imports, less consumer choice and further environmental damage."