Glamorganshire farmers recently came together to discuss the future of the red meat industry in light of Brexit at an information evening organised by the local Farmers’ Union of Wales branch.
The event, which was held at St Mary's Hotel in Bridgend, was well attended and farmers heard how Hybu Cig Cymru- Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) were hoping to ensure that Wales and the UK continue to have access to the European market after Bexit.
HCC Chairman Kevin Roberts told farmers that 70% of red meat from Wales is consumed in the UK and that 30% of red meat is exported to the European Union. He assured farmers that HCC will work with the industry to do all that is possible to keep such export markets open and is aiming continue to further market development by targeting the middle class affluent market in different countries such as China and Saudi Arabia if market access can be obtained.
Farmers further heard that HCC will be inviting the decision makers from these targeted countries to Wales so that they can visit abattoirs, witness our processes and see that the market is safe and trustworthy.
Kevin Roberts said: “We want to maintain the current export market and keep exporting to France which is a large export market for us but we understand that all of this depends on the Brexit deal we get.”
Mr Roberts also said that HCC will be looking at shelf life of lamb, providing more information to farmers about what type of meat the market is looking for so they can adapt their business and ensuring that the Government imposes the same standards on future imports that UK farmers are subject to.
FUW Glamorgan CEO Rachel Saunders said: “Our member really enjoyed the discussions on the night and I thank Kevin Roberts for his contribution to the meeting. It is critical that beef and sheep farmers are informed about market demands so that they can adapt their practises and business decision to suit.
“The meeting also reinforced what the FUW has been saying since the EU referendum - we need tariff-free access to the single market if we are to ensure the survival of our red meat industry, especially the sheep market. It is however also vital that HCC keep promoting our first-class produce to new markets and establish good trade relationships with countries such as China and Saudi Arabia.”