WIREDGOV

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans has hosted an event bringing together representatives from across the beef supply chain. The aim of the day was to identify what could be done to secure a sustainable beef industry in Wales.

The event in Cardiff also saw the launch of a report on the Independent Review of the Beef Sector in Wales, undertaken by SAC Consulting on behalf of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).
The Deputy Minister said, “It is true to say that over the past few months, the beef sector has experienced a turbulent time. Increased competition from Europe due to a strong pound and an over-supply in the market has all contributed to pressures affecting the beef farmer’s bottom line.

“It is therefore clear to me that there are weaknesses within the beef supply chain and alongside HCC and the wider industry I would like to explore what we can do to put that right.” 

With representatives from across the supply chain present at the event there was a wide range of topics with focused discussion groups looking at the sector on-farm, its process and manufacturing, as well as the retail and food service.

Key themes emerging from the meeting included:

• supporting greater technical efficiencies in the herd incorporating improved genetics and animal health;
• greater co-ordination and cooperation within the supply chain to improve transparency, and;
• managing the slaughtering and processing capacity in Wales to secure the value of the sector.

Despite a challenging backdrop, there remains a great deal to be confident about within the Welsh beef sector. In 2013, exports of Welsh PGI Beef stood at £69.4 million and the Minister said she was keen, with the support from HCC who are developing further market interest from across the globe, to ensure this figure increases.

“I am heartened to hear the positivity, confidence and pragmatic approach being taken by all parts of the sector throughout these discussions. I will now reflect on these them all and consider how we can use the Rural Development Programme (RDP) to support the delivery of some of the actions identified. 

“I will also be asking the Food and Drink Panel and the Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group to take forward some of the points raised so that we can capitalise on the momentum that has been generated at today’s event. 

“I believe that today’s event will help us deliver the positive outcomes for the beef sector in Wales and I will continue to work with the industry to ensure that we put in place, and monitor closely, a framework to support the sector to become both profitable and sustainable.”