Q

quick-freeze: To preserve food products by freezing them rapidly. Quick-freezing helps farmers extend the shelf life of their produce, reducing waste and providing consumers with fresher, high-quality food products throughout the year.

quarantine: The period when an animal, person, plant, or ship just arrived in a country is kept separate in case it carries a serious disease, to allow the disease time to develop and be detected. Quarantine protects livestock from diseases, ensuring the health of farm animals and preventing the spread of infections that could devastate agricultural productivity.

quail: A small game bird (Coturnix coturnix), now reared to produce oven-ready birds and also for their eggs. Raising quail can diversify farm income and provide a high-protein food source with relatively low maintenance requirements.

quart: A measure of liquids and dry goods such as grain equal to two pints, or 1.14 liters. Understanding and using the quart measurement allows farmers to accurately measure and manage the distribution of farm products, ensuring consistency and quality in their outputs.

quota: A fixed amount of something which is allowed. A quota has been imposed on the fishing of herring. Quotas help manage resources sustainably by preventing overproduction or overfishing, thus protecting long-term agricultural and environmental health.

quicklime: A calcium compound made from burnt limestone, used in the composition of cement and in many industrial processes. Quicklime is valuable for soil stabilization and pH adjustment in agriculture, helping farmers improve soil conditions for optimal crop growth.

Quercus: The Latin name for the oak tree. Knowing botanical names like Quercus helps farmers and agricultural professionals communicate clearly about specific plants, enhancing collaboration and research efforts in forestry and crop management.

quintal: A unit of weight sometimes used to measure bulk agricultural commodities, equal to 100kg. Using the quintal measurement allows farmers to standardize bulk transactions, facilitating trade and ensuring fair pricing for large quantities of agricultural products.

quality assurance: The system of procedures used in checking that the quality of a product is good. Implementing quality assurance ensures that farm products meet high standards, enhancing consumer trust and compliance with regulations, thus benefiting farmers through better market access and reduced risk of product recalls.

Quality Meat Scotland: The red meat marketing board for Scotland, abbreviated as QMS. This organization supports farmers by promoting high standards in meat production and providing marketing assistance, which can lead to higher demand and better prices for their products.