Exports could help deliver a “prosperous” future for Welsh red meat, if Brexit can be successfully negotiated, according to Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
Addressing an audience of processors, policy-makers and farmers at the levy body’s Annual Conference, HCC’s chairman, Kevin Roberts, pointed to global trends that opened the door for Welsh produce and outlined how a “fair” Brexit deal could boost meat exports.
Roberts explained: “If our governments can secure access to those markets, the opportunity is there.
“There are premium markets for foods that can demonstrate their quality and provenance – things that Welsh red meat has in spades.”
However, he warned that the industry depended on the outcome of Brexit negotiations, particularly for the export-dependent lamb sector, adding: ““All the independent analysis suggests that our sheep sector would be very exposed to WTO Tariffs of over 40%.
“Seasonality and carcase balance mean it’s utterly unrealistic to fully replace lamb exports with increased business in the UK market, even if imports were curtailed.”
In addition, he highlighted that HCC is working on “ambitious plans to develop the industry through to 2025”, but cautioned that “there is a potential bump in the road”, referring to the UK leaving the EU.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
