Following AHDB’s recent call for views on the future of classification, there has been cautious excitement within my conversations with NFU members. The idea of being able to quantify and recognise our British meat quality in a whole new way is something that really appeals.
By aiming to further improve on the taste, texture and appearance of our red meat, the industry could complement the high welfare and environmental credentials our product already enjoys.
Bolstering the Europe grid with quality measures is a very exciting concept which we hope to explore with learnings from across the globe, Australia and America being just two examples. By looking at these systems, key components are ensuring farmers have as much information as possible at their fingertips and to tailor and supply the highest quality, most consistent product to the consumer’s plate.
Enhanced genetic markers and meat quality best practice guidance are just some of the methods currently used, with many alternative options available. Despite the methods chosen, long-term specifications are seen as key to ensuring consistency.
However as with all changes, a certain level of apprehension is present. A clear and transparent payment structure is something we’ve been long calling for, with new systems potentially allowing solutions or further fuelling the issues.
Before we can even begin to look to the future, focussing on the basics is a must. Clear and standardised dressing specifications and weighing procedures, industry-wide price reporting mechanisms and transparent payment structures are the foundations for all of this.