HCC conference to address how industry fights back
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is to host a conference on 14th November after raising concerns over dilemmas, disruptions and potential disasters heading towards the red meat sector. It will focus on how the sector can fight back.
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- Lord Mark Price former trade minister and former managing director of Waitrose will be one of the conference speakers.
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- Speaker, Dr Zoë Harcombe will focus on the public debate and nutritional science around red meat and fat.
HCC chair, Kevin Roberts’ opening address will focus on how the industry has a story to tell the consumer which sets it apart from the intensive farming systems which operate in some other parts of the world. In Wales, livestock is reared to exceptional animal welfare standards and environmental sustainability. As well as producing premium products, the industry can be part of the solution to global climate change and food security.
Gwyn Howells, HCC’s chief executive said: “We look forward to welcoming a range of keynote speakers to our conference who will lead the deliberations and debates on a sector that is a cornerstone of the Welsh economy.
“Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM will share her views and vision for a sustainable sector in the future. Also headlining will be Lord Mark Price whose finger is on the political and purchasing pulse, as well as diet and health expert, Dr Zoë Harcombe.”
Lord Price is a former trade minister and previous managing director of Waitrose. He will focus on red meat and its place in a changing trading landscape. Consumers are altering their eating and buying habits, and he will share his expertise on how this is affecting the UK retail scene and out-of-home dining. He will also provide insight into the prospects for Welsh lamb and beef accessing new international markets.
Harcombe is an independent researcher and author on diet and health, and a keen supporter of red meat and its benefits to human health. She will focus on the public debate and nutritional science around red meat and fat.
Howells added: “Other key themes which will be high on the agenda will include HCC’s environmental message and an update on the beef price scenario which is causing great concern and apprehension for farmers across the UK.
“Updates will also be provided by HCC on recent activity, including our digital focus for Welsh lamb and beef promotion, and the innovative Red Meat Development Programme (RMDP) which looks to transform aspects of red meat production and consumption for the future.
“We hope to see farmers, processors, policy-makers and anyone with an interest in the red meat sector at the event which promises to be a platform for constructive and informative discussions on the future of our industry.”
The event will be at the Members’ Centre at the Royal Welsh Showground near Builth Wells, with registration from 3pm. Before a 7:00pm finish, delegates will be offered opportunity to put questions to the HCC Board members during a dedicated Q&A session. For more information click here.
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