NFUS has stressed that by emphasising and building on its reputation for producing fresh, healthy, safe and tasty food, Scottish farming can secure its market. The Union has highlighted the issue following the publication today of a report on the growing competition from the Brazilian beef industry and on the back of meetings held with supermarkets in the past fortnight.

NFUS Chief Executive Andy Robertson and representatives of the other UK farming unions met Sainsbury's and Tesco in London this week to discuss the future of the livestock sector. That meeting followed farmer meetings with Tesco held in the Scottish Borders and North East last week.

Mr Robertson said:

"We can't afford to be complacent about the competition we face from Brazil, but we needn't be downbeat either. The meetings I had with supermarkets this week emphasised the reputation of Scottish produce. Consumers consider Scottish food to be fresh, healthy, safe and tasty. Of course there is an ongoing issue of sustainable pricing, which the retailers recognise, but we must not forget this marketing advantage.

"Sainsbury's made it clear that there would be opportunities for British farmers to earn a premium, but only for those products that meet market specification and satisfy consumer requirements. We must always strive to do just that, which in turn strengthens our fight for a sustainable price.

"The growing awareness of food miles as an issue and increased concern about the UK's food security position both emphasise the wider value of locally-produced food. Whilst competition from countries like Brazil is increasing, these factors work in our favour to provide a greater opportunity to differentiate ourselves and create a market for our produce."

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