Welsh lamb and beef industry to drive climate change agenda
A combination of good environmental actions and good commercial practice by Welsh lamb and beef farmers is moving the industry’s climate change agenda forward, the latest Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) research suggests.
Dr Prysor Williams.
“Our research shows the red meat industry is proactively working to help with climate change solutions,” Dr. Prysor Williams, senior lecturer in environmental management at Bangor University, said. “Increasingly, farmers understand that a range of practical and cost-effective measures that improve technical efficiency on farm will also mitigate factors that affect climate change.
“This is not just a ‘worthy’ enterprise or a response to a moral imperative or political pressure; this is a win-win-win situation for farmers as they can benefit the environment while benefitting their animals, their production and their pockets.”
A total of 286 Welsh beef and sheep farmers took part in the survey conducted by HCC. The research looked at inputs such as feeds, fertilisers, pesticides, bedding and fuel, as well as stock numbers and movements throughout the year.
Dr. Williams continued: “Our industry is under the microscope perhaps more than any other industry. It is important to respond to the challenge and be proactive in reducing emissions.
“Every sector has to play a part if we are to meet the UK Climate Change Act target to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.
“Yes, of course, we all need to ‘up our game’. But we have excellent farmers and some excellent tools, such as the ‘HCC Environmental Road Map’, so we’re well placed to face up to the challenge. The work shows that if we can move the sector to be as efficient as the top 25% of farms, then this could make very significant reductions in emissions from the sector, and ultimately more profitable farms.”
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