'Spraying around support' would hit livestock

A DIRECT attack on future support being moved to an area basis has been delivered by the Scottish red meat processing industry.

In its response to the Pack Inquiry, the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers described the move as "spraying around support into traditionally unsupported sectors merely to satisfy the concept of 'fair' or to quench political philanthropic ideals".

Its preference for future subsidy was a payment in excess of 150 a head for every calf born. This substantial payment to cattle breeders would, it believes, ensure the future viability of production in the Scottish red meat sector.

Expanding on concerns over an area-based subsidy system, SAMW appreciated "however courageous or arguably fairer this delivery of subsidy may be, we have grave concerns that the probable effect of such a shift, without fundamental changes, would be to decimate future livestock supplies".

Other considerations within the report which attracted strong reactions from SAMW members reflected support for subsidy payments to producers.

"These are correct and practical and are unquestionably justifiable, not least in the context of food security for the European Union and maintenance of biodiversity for the public good."