Project launched to promote Galloway beef

The Galloway Cattle Society has unveiled a new logo, as part of a scheme called the Real Galloway Beef project, to help stimulate market demand for meat from the breed.

Unveiling the logo at the Winter Cattle Sale at Dumfries Auction Mart, Galloway Cattle Society chairman John Finlay said it would certify the meat being bought by consumers came from Galloway cattle, rather than simply beef reared in Galloway.

The logo launch marks the start of a two-year project, which is part-funded by Dumfries and Galloway’s Leader programme, to promote Galloway beef and encourage more farmers to think about stocking Galloways.

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The project will include:

• The development of a quality assurance and traceability scheme, to be launched next year
• Help for young farmers and new entrants to attend three international cattle events
• The development of an education toolkit for schools
• Seeking supply chain partnerships to improve consumer access to Galloway beef

Mr Finlay added: “There’s a lot more to this than just a logo. Behind it will be a robust quality assurance scheme that we are introducing early next year and we are keen to hear from retailers and supply chain partners who want to work with us to become ambassadors for the breed.

“This is an exciting time for the Galloway. Interest in native breeds and grass-fed beef is soaring as members of the public are, perhaps, eating beef less often, but when they do they want the best. The Galloway is unequivocally one of the best beef breeds in the world, and it thrives in our local landscapes.

“We are determined to put in place the foundations that will secure a successful future for the Galloway. Making sure it is clearly identifiable is the first stage in this process.”

Butchers, retailers, restaurants and other supply chain partners who are interested in becoming Galloway Beef Ambassadors as part of the new quality assurance scheme are being encouraged to contact the Galloway Cattle Society to register their interest on info@gallowaycattlesociety.co.uk.