Martin Beard CREATING a resurgence of native livestock and equine breeds in Scotland is the focus of the newly launched Rare Breeds Survival Trust manifesto. Launched during RBST Scotland s ‘Back to the Future’ virtual conference, the Manifesto for Scotland’s Native Breeds sets out the six core actions that the new Scottish Government should take to boost the commercial, environmental and cultural benefits that native breeds can offer Scotland. RBST vice president Scotland Martin Beard, who farms rare breeds including Large Black pigs and Portland sheep in Angus, said: “Scotland is a colossus in native breeds, from Aberdeen Angus cattle and Soay sheep to the Clydesdale horse, the Highland Pony and many more. Having evolved to be part of our landscape, these breeds are the experts in converting our native vegetation into high quality produce whilst maintaining natural habitats and enhancing biodiversity.
Native breed resurgence could benefit Scottish farming
Highland cattle are among the most popular of Scotland s native breeds.
Native livestock and horses are part of the solution to the challenges facing Scottish agriculture, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).
Speaking at the launch of the trust’s manifesto for a resurgence of native animals, chief executive, Christopher Price said a new Scottish Government could adopt six measures which would boost the commercial, environmental and cultural benefits the breeds would deliver.
The RBST’s wish list includes encouraging the creation of a network of local abattoirs; revising the carcase grading system to recognise the quality and taste of native beef; abolishing what remains of the Over Thirty Month (OTM) rule which RBST say is a needless commercial barrier to farming with native breeds; and introducing “honest labelling” based on pedigree records and herd books so that consumers know they are choosing n
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