The West Gwent branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales recently held a meeting with Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) at Llanhilleth Miners Institute to discuss the future of the red meat sector.
Farmers were joined Kevin Roberts, the chair of HCC, who outlined his vision for the red meat industry in the post – Brexit world. Mr Roberts emphasised that the development of new markets for lamb was crucial to maintain the income levels of Welsh Hill Farms, but said that farmers needed to be adaptable to what the market wanted.
The option of switching some production capacity from lamb to beef is one thing that farmers might consider in order to spread their risk from Brexit,he said, as the UK currently imports a significant amount of beef.
Members raised a number of points with Mr Roberts, and there was particular concern about the future of the small lamb market.
FUW Gwent CEO Glyn Davies said: “We heard that HCC are looking to develop markets in North Africa, Saudi Arabia, and China in addition to securing the current markets in the Mediterranean countries and were told that the process of developing markets was a long and drawn out process.
“Mr Robert made it clear that his priority is to direct resources to areas of the process which had become ‘log-jammed’, whilst also looking at the possibility of using RDP monies to enhance chilling facilities in order to extend the shelf-life of lamb.”
The question of levy rates was also discussed and Mr Roberts emphasised that he was determined to ensure ‘value for money to levy payers’ by ensuring marketing campaigns at home were targeted in the right areas.
“I think the meeting was a real success and on behalf of our members I thank Mr Roberts for his willingness to speak directly to farmer levy payers. We look forward to having further discussions with him in the future,” added Glyn Davies.