Agribusiness News November 2024

Welcome to the November edition of Agribusiness News.  If you prefer to download this document click the download button.

N e w s  i n  b r i e f

Positive trends in red meat exports

October saw the release of 2024’s June Agricultural Census results as well as preliminary harvest estimates for Scotland. Neither provided any great shocks. Agricultural Census data indicates a continuation in the long-term trend of declining livestock numbers (0.9% for cattle, 3.8% for sheep and 6.5% for pigs), a decrease of overall cereal area, with a decrease in winter cereals but increase in spring cereals compared to the five-year average (see Policy Brief on page 2 for more detail). Harvest outcomes have not been perhaps as poor as expected given the weather throughout the year and challenging harvest conditions, but are still distinctly average (for more detail see our Cereals article on page 3).

Recent trade statistics from QMS have shown a notable increase in the value of red meat exports (95% of which to the EU) from the UK over the last year, reflecting both export growth, price inflation, and greater interest in lamb (See Beef and Lamb articles for global market trends). Given reducing livestock numbers, opportunities to add value to product are particularly welcome. Just this month, Scotland Food & Drink have announced new grants of up to £5,000 for promotion of regional food and drink products and establishment of new markets.

While these releases are welcome, a recent national NFUS survey of over 1,700 people concluded that consumers find labelling of food products “confusing, vague and often misleading”, and recommends greater attention to transparency in labelling from retailers and through legislation. Renewed interest in communicating the value of provenance of food for both home and export markets would support value addition to Scottish products.

Next month:

• American Agricultural Bill
• Costs of extending calving periods

This month’s editor – Anna Sellars