Multi million pound fund to support Welsh meat industry
More than £2 million has been allocated by the Welsh Government to help the meat sector prepare for Brexit.
Announced by First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, £2.15 million will be provided to support the development of the red meat sector in Wales.
A Welsh lamb dish.
The investment is said to aim to support famers to identify improvements to their businesses to help them become more competitive and in a better position to trade profitably following Brexit.
Funding will also be allocated to an import substitution project to help identify and secure supply chains within the UK and encourage companies based in the EU to set up operations in Wales.
Speaking ahead of his address to the Farmer’s Union of Wales AGM in Aberystwyth, the First Minister said: “Brexit presents a series of challenges and opportunities for our agriculture and fisheries industries.
“The funding I am announcing from our EU Transition Fund will provide vitally needed support.
As a Government we will do all we can to help these important industries prepare for a post-Brexit world.”
Speaking shortly after the announcement was made at the FUW’s annual general meeting, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We welcome the fact that one of the first EU transitional fund projects to be announced relates to the livestock sector which is so important to our economy and communities.
“There is so much uncertainty around what will happen over the coming months and years in terms of Brexit that planning is nigh on impossible.
“However, those who gain a detailed understanding of their current costs and outputs will inevitably be better prepared for the volatility and changes, whatever they may be, allowing them to react more quickly and appropriately to protect and improve their businesses.”
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