QMS 2025 CATTLE & SHEEP ASSURANCE SCHEME STANDARDS MEMBER CONSULTATION:
|
Over the course of 2024, the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Standards Setting Committee (comprised of farmers, processors, and representatives from stakeholder organisations) have undertaken a full review of the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme Standards.
Following a governance review of how we undertake standard reviews and communicate any proposed changes to our members, we are now offering the proposed changes to members of the Cattle and Sheep assurance scheme for feedback. If adopted, these changes will apply from 1 June 2025.
The updates have been proposed by the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme Standards Setting Body. Following this consultation, the Standards Setting Body will review any feedback before proposing that the final standards go forward to the QMS Board for approval. As part of the standards review process, a benchmarking exercise was undertaken looking to compare the QMS standards with those of our competitors, as well as a market insight analysis to ensure that the standards continue to offer consumer reassurance in key areas of consumer interest. This ensures that the QMS schemes continue to help you meet evolving supply chain demands; ultimately supporting your business profitability. Where food comes from (provenance) is of real importance to both consumers and retailers, these standards also help underpin the Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb Marketing Campaigns by providing a strong verification and evidence base to claims made, helping QMS to market the products as effectively as possible.
Key changes from this review:
A key focus of the 2024 review following feedback from members and stakeholders was streamlining and consolidation to make the process less time-intensive for members. We have worked with our standards setting body to make the requirements clearer, reduce duplication and bring the numbers of standards down where possible. Following this exercise we have identified a number of standards that we are proposing to remove or amalgamate, with additional wording added for guidance and clarity.
We have detailed out the changes proposed in the questions that follow and are grateful for your feedback as part of the standards setting process.
By completing the survey, your name will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of rugby tickets for a home game at either Glasgow Warriors or Edinburgh Rugby. You can choose to opt out of this draw if you prefer.