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

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

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

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Brazilian Beef Exports

Brazilian beef exporters are scaling back shipments as the escalating conflict in the Middle East increases freight costs and disrupts logistics.

According to reporting by The Beef Site, the head of the Brazilian beef exporters’ association Abiec, Roberto Perosa, told Reuters that container freight costs from South America to the Middle East have in some cases tripled to around $6,000.

The Middle East accounts for roughly 10% of Brazil’s direct beef exports, but the region also acts as a key transit corridor for shipments to Southeast Asia and China. Industry sources estimate that between 30% and 40% of Brazilian beef shipments pass through the region, meaning ongoing disruption could have wider implications for global supply chains.

Exporters are now monitoring the situation closely, with prolonged instability likely to increase logistical bottlenecks and redirect trade flows in international beef markets.

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Source: The Beef Site | 4 March 2026

South Korean Meat Prices Surge as ASF and Bird Flu Reduce Supply

Retail meat prices in South Korea have risen sharply as disease outbreaks reduce domestic livestock supply.

According to reporting by Korea JoongAng Daily, pork belly prices have climbed 13.5% year on year, while domestic beef tenderloin has increased by 10.8%. Broiler chicken prices are also up 11.1% amid ongoing supply disruption.

South Korean authorities have recorded 22 cases of African swine fever so far in 2026, compared with six cases reported during the whole of 2025. More than 50 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been recorded during the winter season, further tightening supply.

Imported beef prices have risen even more sharply. US beef prices increased by 63.7%, reflecting the combined impact of global market pressures and a weaker Korean won.

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Source: Korea JoongAng Daily | 5 March 2026

Turkey Sector Chosen for UK Avian Influenza Vaccine Trials

The UK has launched its first field trials of a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza. These UK bird flu vaccine trials are focusing on turkey production in England.

According to reporting by Farmers Guide, the 24 week programme has been approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. It will assess vaccine effectiveness in commercial settings. The trials aim to generate data that could support the future use of vaccination as part of the UK’s avian influenza control strategy.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has become a recurring challenge for the UK poultry sector. Government and industry estimates suggest outbreaks can cost up to £174 million per year. This is due to culling, control measures and wider trade disruption.

Results from the trials are expected to help inform long term policy on disease prevention across the UK poultry industry.

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Source: Farmers Guide | 5 March 2026

Irish Angus factory bonus scheme to introduce genetics and sustainability payments

The Certified Irish Angus factory breed bonus scheme is set for significant changes from September 2026. This will happen under a new payment structure.

According to reporting by the Agriland, the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group has agreed a revised bonus system with processors ABP Food Group and Kepak.

The updated model will divide the payment into three components. Farmers will receive a base Angus bonus of €0.10 per kg. They will also receive a genetics bonus of €0.05 per kg and a sustainability bonus of €0.05 per kg. These changes are designed to encourage genetic improvement. Additionally, they will reward participation in environmental and sustainability programmes.

The programme has grown substantially over the past decade. Angus sired calf births in Ireland increased by around 82% during that period.

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Source: Agriland | 4 March 2026

Brazilian Pork Exports Hit Record High Despite China Slowdown

Brazilian pork exports reached a record 1.64 million tonnes in 2025 despite a significant slowdown in Chinese demand.

According to a market update from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, shipments increased by 13% year on year. The Philippines overtook China as Brazil’s largest export destination after imports surged by around 60%.

Exports to China fell by roughly 34% due to weaker import demand, marking a notable shift in global pork trade flows. The report highlights that Brazil’s continued export expansion could intensify competition in price sensitive markets, particularly for offal and secondary cuts where the UK also competes internationally.

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Source: AHDB | 4 March 2026

AHDB Warns of Rising Australasian Beef and Lamb Imports to UK

Growing imports of beef and lamb from Australia and New Zealand are expected to increase competition in the UK market as free trade agreement quotas expand.

According to analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, import volumes are likely to rise steadily through to 2032 as tariff free quotas under the UK’s trade deals with Australia and New Zealand continue to expand.

New Zealand utilised around 95% of its available beef quota in 2025, while Australia shipped just 29% of its permitted volume. The disparity suggests there is significant capacity for further growth in Australian exports to the UK as the year progresses.

The AHDB report highlights that increasing imports from the Southern Hemisphere could add competitive pressure to the UK red meat sector, particularly during seasonal supply peaks.

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Source: AHDB | 4 March 2026

Irish Poultry Sector Seeks Compensation for Bird Flu Losses

Irish poultry farmers are urging the government to introduce a compensation scheme for producers affected by avian influenza restrictions.

According to reporting by Agriland, Monaghan County Council has formally called on Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to implement a support scheme. This scheme would be modelled on a recently introduced French programme.

Monaghan is Ireland’s largest poultry producing county. Farmers in the region have reported significant income losses during bird flu exclusion periods when birds cannot be moved or sold. Industry representatives say producers currently receive no financial support during these restrictions.

Senators are now seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister of State. They aim to discuss the proposal and explore possible support mechanisms for affected poultry businesses.

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Source: Agriland | 3 March 2026