New grants announced for food processing businesses in Scotland

The Scottish government has announced new funding support for the food and drink processing sector during the annual conference of Quality Meat Scotland.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed the launch of a new Food and Drink Processing Scheme offering grants of up to £400,000 for businesses, provided they are matched by private investment.

The grants form part of a wider £9 million capital support package aimed at strengthening Scotland’s food production and processing capacity.

Gougeon also gave what she described as an unequivocal commitment that the Scottish government has “no policy to reduce livestock numbers,” amid wider debate over agricultural emissions and food production.

Scotland’s red meat sector currently supports around 40,000 jobs, contributes approximately £3.5 billion to the national economy and achieved record exports worth £164 million in 2025.

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Source: Scottish Government | 10 March 2026

Irish beef sector questions impact of global trade

Irish beef imports reached their highest level in a decade during 2025, raising concerns among some politicians and farming groups.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, Ireland imported around 40,000 tonnes of beef last year, the highest level recorded in ten years.

Peadar Tóibín described the figures as “shocking,” arguing that rising imports could increase competitive pressure on domestic beef producers.

Imports from Brazil have also grown over the past decade, rising from 22 tonnes in 2016 to approximately 172 tonnes in 2025. The trend has prompted renewed debate over EU trade agreements with South American countries and their impact on European livestock sectors.

Industry observers say the figures highlight the complex dynamics of global beef trade, even in countries with strong domestic production.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 10 March 2026

Global Beef Supply Tightening as Trade Flows Shift

Global beef markets are expected to face tightening supplies and increased price volatility during 2026, according to the latest analysis from Rabobank.

The bank’s Q1 2026 Global Beef Quarterly reports that the US beef cow herd has fallen to its lowest level in around 75 years, significantly reducing future production potential in one of the world’s largest beef suppliers.

The report also highlights the impact of China’s new beef import quota system, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and is expected to reshape global trade flows.

By mid-2026, beef production across major exporting countries is projected to fall below the five year average, tightening global supply. While Brazil recorded record export volumes in January, analysts expect shipments to decline later in the year as supply pressures build.

The combination of reduced production and shifting trade policies is likely to increase price volatility across global beef markets during 2026.

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Source: EuroMeat News / Rabobank | 10 March 2026

Rising deer population sparks push for venison consumption

Ireland is being urged to increase consumption of venison as rising wild deer numbers create growing pressure on farmland and biodiversity.

According to reporting by The Irish Times, the expanding deer population has prompted the creation of an Irish Deer Management Strategy Group to address the environmental and agricultural impact.

Industry figures say venison could become a more widely consumed alternative protein. Retail prices suggest the meat can already be cheaper than beef, with 500g of diced venison selling for around €7.99 compared with about €10 for beef.

Pat Doyle said demand for venison has increased significantly, describing the current year as one of the strongest on record for sales. Producers are calling for the product to be more widely used in supermarkets, ready meals and foodservice.

Modern processing methods are also helping to broaden consumer appeal. Venison is now typically hung for around one week rather than the traditional two weeks, resulting in a milder flavour profile.

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Source: The Irish Times | 9 March 2026

Thousands of workers set to strike at major JBS beef plant

Thousands of workers at a major US beef processing facility are preparing to strike after contract negotiations with meat giant JBS broke down.

According to reporting by CBS News citing Reuters and local media, around 3,800 employees at the JBS beef plant in Greeley, Colorado plan to walk out from 16 March.

The workers, represented by UFCW Local 7, voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with union officials saying 99% supported the move following eight months of unsuccessful contract negotiations. The union claims the dispute centres on what it describes as “poverty level” wages and working conditions.

JBS disputes the claims and says its latest offer is consistent with national labour agreements in the sector. The company has said production will continue by redirecting output to other facilities during the strike.

JBS is the world’s largest meat supplier and the Colorado facility is one of the largest beef processing plants in the United States.

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Source: CBS News / Reuters | 9 March 2026

Irish Beef Factory Quotes Fall Again as Processor Pressure Mounts

Irish beef factory quotes have dropped again this week as processors move to lower base prices across several cattle categories.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, factories have reduced quotes by around 10c per kilogram. Base prices for bullocks are now approximately €6.80/kg, while heifers are quoted at around €6.90/kg.

R-grading cows are reported to be trading between €6.50/kg and €6.60/kg, with some breed bonuses also coming under pressure.

Irish Farmers’ Association livestock chair Tim Cullinan said export demand for beef remains strong and is continuing to grow. However, cattle supplies are tight and are forecast to decline further this year by around 4%, equivalent to between 30,000 and 40,000 head.

The combination of tight supplies and softer factory quotes is expected to remain a key issue for Irish beef producers in the coming months.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 9 March 2026

AIMS criticises FSA fees as pressure grows on small meat plants

The UK meat industry has warned that newly announced official control charges from the Food Standards Agency could push some abattoirs toward closure.

According to the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, the combined effect of higher charges and reduced discount support will increase official control costs by around 24% in the 2026–27 financial year.

In a letter to FSA chair Susan Jebb, AIMS chairman John Thorley said the increases come at a time when many small and medium sized meat plants are already under significant financial pressure.

AIMS said modelling across 40 member businesses suggests the changes could add between £50,000 and £90,000 in additional charges during the coming year. A further increase of around £50,000 could follow once remaining discount support is removed.

The FSA has attributed the higher charges to reduced official control hours and increased contractor costs. However, AIMS argues the justification is unclear and claims the sector has not seen a full impact assessment.

Industry representatives warn the increases could accelerate closures of smaller plants, with wider implications for rural economies, livestock supply chains and animal welfare.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) | 9 March 2026

German Pig Prices Continue to Climb as Supply Tightens

Pig prices in Germany are continuing to rise as supply tightens across the European pork market.

According to reporting by EuroMeat News, the German pig price benchmark has increased again in recent weeks as slaughter numbers remain relatively constrained.

Industry analysts say tighter pig supplies across parts of Europe, combined with steady processor demand, are helping to support market values. The firm pricing environment in Germany is also influencing neighbouring EU markets, given the country’s role as one of Europe’s largest pork producers.

Market participants will be watching closely to see whether supply levels improve in the coming months or whether strong prices persist across the European pork sector.

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Source: EuroMeat News | 9 March 2026

Dawn Meats Backs 400 Home Development on Former Cork Site

Irish meat processor Dawn Meats has partnered with property developer Bluemont to build more than 400 homes on an unused site near Midleton in County Cork. This Dawn Meats Cork development is expected to provide much needed housing in the area.

According to reporting by Irish Independent, construction is already under way at the Water Rock site. The first homes are expected to come to market in September 2026.

The project represents a redevelopment of land previously owned by Dawn Meats. It also highlights how surplus industrial sites are increasingly being repurposed for housing development in Ireland.

Dawn Meats generates annual revenues of more than €3 billion. The company has recently expanded its international footprint. This includes the acquisition of a 65% stake in New Zealand meat cooperative Alliance Group in December 2025.

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Source: Irish Independent | 8 March 2026

UK Abattoir Closures Accelerate as Small Farms Struggle

The number of abattoirs operating in the UK is continuing to decline, increasing pressure on small farms and local meat supply chains.

According to reporting by The Telegraph, slaughterhouse closures are forcing many farmers to transport livestock longer distances for processing, increasing costs and raising animal welfare concerns.

Industry representatives warn the loss of local abattoirs is particularly damaging for family farms and small scale producers who rely on nearby processing facilities to supply local markets.

The trend has sparked growing calls from farming groups for government support to stabilise the UK’s slaughterhouse network, with concerns that continued closures could undermine rural economies and reduce domestic meat processing capacity.

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Source: The Telegraph | 8 March 2026