MEAT leaders and The Vegan Society have crossed forks over the impact of the nation's changing eating habits.

More than 60% of adults are concerned about the effect of veganism on Scottish farming, according to research for Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), which also found that almost half of Scots are trying to reduce their red meat consumption.

The main reason for that, researchers found, is related to animal welfare worries, with the environmental impact of agriculture the second most reported reason for vegging out.

However, the survey of more than 2000 people also found more than 60% have concerns about what veganism – which includes cutting all animal products from diet and lifestyle – could mean for the country's £2billion-a-year livestock sector.

QMS says the main reasons given for cutting meat out are "unsubstantiated when it comes to Scotland's farming practices", and is now trying to weed out what says are misconceptions about farming and diet.

Almost 60% of people told the survey that they now eat plant-based meat alternatives. QMS says many believe, "sometimes inaccurately", that these are healthier options.

It cites a 2018 report by Action on Salt – a group based at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, part of Queen Mary University of London – which found that almost 30% of meat alternatives exceeded their maximum salt reduction target, and says the high iron and B-vitamin content of meat is reason to keep eating it.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of QMS, said: “While it’s encouraging that the nation feels really strongly about protecting Scotland’s farming industry, when it comes to red meat consumption it’s vital that we ensure people are aware of the facts to fully inform their decisions.

“In Scotland, producers are very proud of our animal welfare and our sustainability credentials are exceptionally strong. Livestock farmers play a major role in looking after the landscape and grazing animals are needed for the habitats of many species. The reality is, 80% of Scotland’s farmland is comprised of grass and farmland not suitable for growing crops, but ideal for producing beef.”

He went on: “From the research results, we can see that people really care about safeguarding the industry, and we want to give them the facts as to why it’s right for them to do so.

“Scotch Beef meets stringent quality, sustainability and welfare standards so consumers can be secure in the knowledge that consuming red meat from Scottish farms will not have a negative impact on the environment or animal welfare.”

However, Dominika Piasecka, spokeswoman for The Vegan Society, told The National: “Vegans, like everyone else, rely on farmers to provide food and don't want to see thousands of families losing their livelihoods – all we want is for people to eat healthy, sustainable and ethical diets.

“Other jobs become available because of veganism as the demand for different types of foods, clothing and cosmetics increases – it’s the businesses that need to adapt to changing consumer tastes.

“Animal agriculture is the number one cause of climate change and it is much more efficient to eat crops directly rather than feed them to animals and then eat their bodies."

On animal welfare standards, Piasecka suggested these require tougher inspection regimes, stating that they "mean nothing if no one ensures they are being followed”.

QMS said: "Scotland was first in the world to introduce quality assurance standards and to be eligible to be sold as Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, meat must come from quality assured farms. The standards also cover feed, haulage, auction markets and processors – so the entire production chain is covered."