A government review of HCC (Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales) has been completed, concluding 21 recommendations to improve the government-owned levy body.
Hybu Cig Cymru is the industry-led organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat.
The recommendations were made to inform the government-owned levy body about continuing or changing its current functions.
Recommendations include a need to increase cost effective collaborative working with other GB levy boards, the Farming Connect Programme and Farm Assured Welsh Livestock to deliver more on behalf of levy payers.
Also, the levy body has been told to hold a formal annual meeting to be broadcasted live over the internet, permitting maximum engagement and understanding of the organisation’s work.
'Organic produce in the food chain'
Amongst other recommendations, the Welsh government has been advised to look at levels of organic produce required in the food chain and the potential for this to be improved with promotion.
Liz Bowles, head of farming at the Soil Association said the environmental charity is 'delighted' to be able to endorse the recommendations of the recent review of the HCC carried out by Kevin Roberts.
“Specifically the focus on ensuring the right balance of spend at home and abroad in the promotion of Welsh red meat, improved collaboration across the sector, and further involvement of the HCC Board in setting organisational direction,” Miss Bowles said.
“We are particularly delighted that the Welsh government are to look at the levels of organic produce required in the food chain and the potential for this to be improved with promotion. We look forward to providing any assistance we can as this recommendation starts to be implemented.
“We also look forward to working ever more closely with HCC in supporting the Welsh red meat sector going forward.”
