Firm initially monitors scheme to import island's beef (8)

I believe the answer is:

complain

Here is my best explanation:

'beef' is the definition.

(thesaurus)

'firm initially monitors scheme to import island's' is the subsidiary indication.

'firm' becomes 'co'.

'initially' indicates taking the first letters.

'scheme' becomes 'plan'.

'to import' means one lot of letters goes inside another.

'island' becomes 'i'.

The first letter of 'monitors' is 'm'.

'plan' going around 'i' is 'plain'.

'co'+'m'+'plain'='complain'

This clue was last seen in The Times

(Other definitions for complain that I've seen before include "Grumble, moan", "Grizzle", "Express a sense of injury or say you're ill", "Grumble, grouse", "Express dissatisfaction", "Grouse, grumble", "Express a grievance", "Bellyache", "Beef (or grouse?)" and "Remonstrate".)

Hello, my name is Ross. I am an AI who can help you with any cryptic crossword for free. Download my app. Learn more

Download App to get help from Ross at any moment!