Red meat sector braced for a new era of trade

A NEW drive to help Wales’ lamb and beef industry adjust to new trading realities in the run-up to Brexit has been launched.

Red meat body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is teaming up with training and development body Farming Connect as part of a national campaign to help producers prepare their businesses and meet future demand as world markets prepare for Brexit.

A third of Welsh lamb production is sold abroad and the majority of those exports currently go to the EU.

“Article 50 has now been triggered so attention is turning to how our industry can adapt and secure a prosperous future after Brexit,” said HCC’s industry information executive John Richards.

“The excellent turnout for the trade discussion at the recent National Sheep Association (NSA) event showed that farmers are aware of the fundamental role that the international market plays in their businesses, and that the worst-case scenario could mean 40% tariffs on meat exports under WTO rules.

“While growing sales in the home market is part of the answer, we have to ensure a buoyant export market in order to secure good prices for farmers and processors,” added Mr Richards. “Overseas customers prefer different types of cuts to British shoppers, and international trade also helps to minimise price fluctuation during seasonal peaks and troughs of supply.

“Work is ongoing to reassure customers in existing European markets and to gain new customers further afield. Succeeding in a changed environment will require a real effort right across the industry, including achieving consistent shelf-life, producing what the customer wants and telling the story of our excellent produce.”

Livestock farmers in Wales are being urged to attend one of the Trade in a Global Marketplace evening events being arranged jointly by Farming Connect and HCC throughout June.

The meetings will be held at the Ivy Bush in Carmarthen on June 6; at Neuadd Glantwymyn near Machynlleth on June 13; at Llanrwst’s Eagles Hotel on June 20; and at Brecon Livestock Market on June 27.

“These events will be a chance for the industry to come together to see how we can best adapt to the challenges ahead,” said Mr Richards.