This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Quality Meat Scotland
28/06/2002
New legislation designed to provide Quality Meat Scotland with more independence to promote Scottish produce was announced today.
Subject to approval from the Scottish and UK Parliaments, QMS will be charged with using the £4-5million levy collected in Scotland each year, to enhance the Scottish red meat industry's reputation in UK and world markets.
A recent consultation showed high levels of support for the proposal from the Scottish red meat sector. Read a summary of the responses.
Minister for Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said:
"The changing role of QMS offers the Scottish industry a unique opportunity to work together to benefit thousands of businesses throughout the food chain. Scotland has a deserved reputation for quality food production and I am committed to doing all I can to enhance that reputation.
"For the first time, the industry can use its levy money to focus on its own priorities. Consumer tastes are constantly changing, but I believe that the industry, working with QMS, will be well placed to meet the needs of future consumers and develop a profitable future based on a product with an enviable international reputation."
On 2 April, following agreement by Agriculture Ministers, a consultation paper on strengthening the role of QMS was issued. There was a high level of support for the proposal from the Scottish red meat sector. Read a summary of the responses.
The Order in Council, which has been laid before the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments is the first step in the legal process which should be completed by the autumn. The Order alters the Agriculture Act 1967 to give Scottish Ministers the sole power to direct the MLC in respect of its responsibilities in Scotland.