A project worth well over £3 million to promote Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef in four European countries over the next three years was described by Farmers' Union of Wales president Emyr Jones today as a major boost for Welsh livestock farmers.
Mr Jones, who runs a family beef and sheep farm near Bala in Snowdonia, said: "It is encouraging news that Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has once again been awarded millions of Euros to raise awareness of the special qualities of our Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.
"It is a major boost to the Welsh livestock industry that HCC will be able to stress to consumers on the Continent exactly why Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef have been awarded the all-important Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Commission.
"This new funding will further help HCC to build on the positive efforts they have already made to develop the overseas markets for our red meat from animals born and raised in Wales to the highest standards," Mr Jones added.
Deputy food and farming minister Rebecca Evans announced the €4.1m (£3,214) funding boost at HCC's annual conference last Thursday.
The scheme involves the promotion of the qualities of PGI, using Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef as examples, in Germany and Italy. The promotional programme in Sweden and Denmark will focus on PGI Welsh Lamb only.
It is the second time that HCC has been successful in gaining European funding for PGI promotional campaigns. In 2011, HCC was awarded €4 million to promote PGI Welsh Lamb in the UK, France, Germany and Italy over a three-year period.