Excessive cost rise impacts Scottish meat chain
Scottish Meat Industry Costs Rise in 2024
The Scottish meat industry costs 2024 are increasing sharply. Stakeholders warn that the scale of these rises could render the sector uncompetitive compared with the rest of the UK.
From 1 April 2024, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) imposed a 20% hike in Official Veterinarian (OV) charges and a 17% rise in Meat Hygiene Inspector (MHI) fees. The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) described the move as both excessive and unacceptable.
In contrast, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England and Wales introduced far smaller increases. OV rates rose by only 4%, while MHI fees increased by 10%. According to SAMW President Ian Bentley, this gap leaves Scottish processors paying significantly more. He warned that such sharp rises would affect businesses, their employees, and the wider rural economy that supplies livestock.
Industry Concerns
SAMW has raised the issue directly with senior FSS officials. The association also wrote to Jenni Minto, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, to express concern. The letter warned that these charges could jeopardise competitiveness and sustainability across the sector.
Business leaders echoed these worries. One owner said he could never ask his customers to accept a 20% price rise. Another added that if FSS were a private supplier, “it would no longer be his supplier.”
Context
FSS explained the increases by citing rising costs. The agency must absorb the 7% civil service wage rise for 2023/24 and adapt to a 35-hour working week from October 2024. This adds a £424,000 cost recovery requirement.
Nevertheless, many in the trade argue the scale of the increases risks undermining Scotland’s meat supply chain at a time when margins remain tight.
Overall, the sharp rise in Scottish meat industry costs 2024 has sparked strong opposition, with calls for urgent review and government intervention.
Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers
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