The Scottish Government has launched a consultation into implementing compulsory price reporting and inspected EUROP grading in abattoirs.

Currently only a very small number of Scottish lamb abattoirs voluntarily report their price. The Scottish Sheep Sector Review, which the Scottish Government is looking to implement, recommends compulsory price reporting.

The consultation recommends that all abattoirs killing more than an average of 500 lambs a week should report. This would mean that 14 Scottish abattoirs would be reporting their price, taking in the vast majority of Scotland lamb kill. There is no similar proposal in England where only a handful of abattoirs currently price report.

The proposals would also see the EUROP grid audited in abattoirs to the same standard as the current beef and pork classification systems. At the moment sheep carcase specifications are not audited to the same standards as pork and beef.

Farmers Journal Scotland understands there is a mixed response in the industry on the planned changes. Many feel that, post-Brexit, more radical grading options could be on the table.

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers will be considering the proposal at their next council meeting. The consultation can be found on the Scottish Government website and closes on 17 January.