"While I remain utterly convinced of the strength of Scotland's red meat industry and the member businesses we represent, there is much hard work ahead. 

 

"The ending of the war in Ukraine and the easing of energy cost pressures would certainly help, although neither of these wishes can be counted on to come true rapidly, certainly not during the early weeks of the year.  To a large extent, therefore, the strength of our industry's long-term place in the UK, European and global economy will depend on our ability to negotiate the year ahead, largely based on our own efforts and resources.

 

"We've always had a strong and high-quality livestock base on which to build, a fact which hasn't changed, despite the pressures which surround us. We also have a loyal and growing consumer base, both domestically and in many other parts of the world.  This fact remains remarkably enduring, as we witnessed at the recent SIAL show in Paris, where many Scottish red meat companies secured valuable new business.

 

"There is still much to be gained, therefore, by our industry continuing to hold the line in 2023, battling to deal with cost rises in terms of production, processing and distribution, in order to deliver the end product quality for which we are renowned.     

 

"As I complete my first nine months as SAMW president, in fact, I'm encouraged by what has been achieved this year in pursuit of making our industry run as smoothly and effectively as possible, factors which are as good for our suppliers and customers as they are for our own members. A major gain, secured in late November, featured the Government's decision to apply a 12-month delay to the introduction of export certification restrictions on non-assured stock, a move which would have been hugely damaging to UK/EU trade had common sense not prevailed.

 

"While it will be vital to resolve this issue early in 2023, rather than allowing it to hang over us, we can, for the moment, celebrate this crucial decision.  It was also a strong success marker for the all-industry approach which led Ministers to think again, emphasising the power which can be created when the entire supply chain works together.

 

"In Scotland, of course, the further development of the new Agricultural Bill will be keenly awaited over the next few months, building on the extensive consultation process which was completed in early December. This is clearly a massive opportunity for our entire industry to be given the priority attention needed to produce quality food, alongside playing our full part in meeting the environmental and climate change demands which the Bill also outlined.

 

"Difficult as it is to escape the UK and global crises into which we've all been drawn, I believe we can continue to drive forward as a red meat sector in 2023, providing essential business solutions against a background of all-industry strength and determination."