Written by Rachel Martin
NFU Cymru has organised a special livestock summit examining the challenges facing the Welsh red meat sector post-Brexit.
The event boasts a line-up of speakers offering industry insight and perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh PGI Lamb and Beef producers, as the date for the UK’s proposed departure from the European Union draws closer.
The Welsh Red Meat Sector in a Global Marketplace summit will be held at the International Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd on Tuesday, February 5 from 10:45am.
The first session of the day, entitled ‘Setting the scene’ and chaired by NFU Cymru Livestock Board chairman and NFU Livestock Board vice chairman Wyn Evans, will feature commentary from Nathan Ward, business unit director at Kantar World Panel and NFU EU exit adviser Tori Morgan.
Session two of the summit examines the ‘Processors’ and retailers’ perspectives’ and features presentations from Nick Allen, chief executive officer of British Meat Processors Association; and Tim Rowe, Celtic Pride director and meat technology consultant.
The session will be chaired by NFU Cymru Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board chairman Richard Tudor.
Afternoon sessions include the topic of ‘Promoting and selling our product’. The discussion will feature contributions from HCC chairman Kevin Roberts and HCC chief executive Gwyn Howells. The panel will then take questions from the audience.
The final session, overseen by NFU Cymru LFA Board vice chairman Kath Whitrow, will be titled ‘Preparing for change’.
The topic will include short presentations and a panel discussion featuring Rhys Davies, Farmers Marts Dolgellau; Don Thomas, Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers; and Stuart Hammond, NFU Livestock Board delegate and Radnorshire farmer.
NFU Cymru Livestock Board chairman Wyn Evans said of the Welsh Red Meat Sector in a Global Marketplace summit: “We are all acutely aware of the potential impact that Brexit could have on the Welsh livestock sector.
The lion’s share of the PGI Welsh Beef and Lamb we export goes to the European Union, so while the political uncertainty continues and the nature of our future trading relationship with our biggest market continues, Welsh farmers remain concerned for what the future holds.
“We must not forget the importance of the home market for Welsh beef and lamb and we look to retailers and the foodservice sector to back our world-leading PGI products at this critical time.
“This event provides a timely opportunity to bring the industry together to analyse and assess the current situation, receive knowledge and insight from aligned organisations and discuss how we can best prepare our businesses for what the future holds.
“I urge NFU Cymru members and anyone with a vested interest in the future of our industry to attend the summit and contribute their views to the important discussions that will take place.”
To book your place at the NFU Cymru Welsh Red Meat Sector in a Global Marketplace summit on Tuesday, February 5, email [email protected].
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