Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomes Senedd Committee recommendations on red meat levy board
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the findings published today (September 3 2025) by Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee report on Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).
Committee Recommendations
The Senedd Committee’s report, and recommendations can be found in full here https://laiddocuments.senedd.wales/cr-ld17386-en.pdf
Amongst the recommendations are calls for a comprehensive governance reform for HCC, aiming to enhance the representation of levy payers and increase wider industry involvement, with a consideration for returning full ownership to them.
The report also calls for a review of HCC's financial sustainability, urging the Welsh Government to clarify its funding plans and explore additional sources.
The recommendations also outline the need for enhanced accountability and performance measures, advocating for more transparent reporting to ensure value for money. Furthermore, it recommends that HCC improves its engagement with key stakeholders, including farmers, processors, and auctioneers, and increases collaboration with other levy bodies and Farming Connect to reduce duplication.
Finally, the Committee advises that HCC strengthens the evidence of its marketing effectiveness, using data to better measure the impact of its promotional work.
Farmers’ Union of Wales response
Many of the recommendations outlined in the report reflect evidence provided to the Senedd’s Committee by the FUW as part of their inquiry. The FUW’s written evidence to the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee can be found Download Inquiry into HCC FUW Evidence Submission ETRA Committee February 2025.
Commenting following the publication of the report, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “The FUW welcomes the comprehensive report by the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and its recommendations on Hybu Cig Cymru’s governance, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
"The Committee’s findings validate our longstanding calls for greater transparency and enhanced engagement for levy payers.
"It is clear that while HCC requires a sustainable funding model to fulfil its extensive mandate, any additional funding must be directly tied to enhanced accountability and a renewed focus on delivering tangible value for the funders of its work.
"We cannot underestimate the importance of having an effective red meat levy board in Wales, and the Committee’s findings must therefore be a central consideration as the red meat industry vision for Wales is developed.
"As Welsh farmers face growing uncertainty and financial pressures, ensuring a levy body that operates effectively and sustainably is vital for the future of our red meat industry.
"The Union remains committed to working with HCC and all other relevant bodies to ensure this is achieved, and that the interests of our members and the wider industry are at the forefront of this process.”
