Red meat producers aim to alter attitudes in Inverness

MORE than two-thirds of people living in Inverness are concerned about the impact of veganism on Scotland’s farming industry, according to the results of a new survey carried out by Censuswide.

The results of the independent survey of 2001 adults, commissioned by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), revealed that while almost all of those surveyed (91 per cent) eat red meat, almost half (49 per cent) are trying to eat less of it.

The top reasons those surveyed gave for reducing their red meat consumption included animal welfare (32 per cent) and concerns about the environmental impact of farming (13 per cent) – reasons which QMS insisted are unsubstantiated when it comes to Scotland’s farming practices.

The research highlighted a rise in the number of consumers in Inverness opting for meat-free meals, with 65 per cent incorporating meat substitutes into their diets and almost half of consumers (47 per cent) admit to not actually knowing the ingredients in meat-free products.

The survey also revealed that 69 per cent of people living in Inverness are concerned about the impact of veganism on Scotland’s farming industry.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of QMS, said: “From the research results, we can see that people really care about safeguarding the industry, and we want to give them the facts as to why it’s right for them to do so.

“Scotch Beef meets stringent quality, sustainability and welfare standards so consumers can be secure in the knowledge that consuming red meat from Scottish farms will not have a negative impact on the environment or animal welfare.”

For more information, visit www.qmscotland.co.uk

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