Lord Bach announces £8 million support for the future of the English beef industry
Farming Minister Lord Bach today announced an £8m package of support for English beef at a meeting of the industry's top figures.
He told a high-level meeting of the farmers, processors and retailers that Defra's support showed it is committed to a strong future for English beef.
The package includes;
* £5.5m for a Beef Restoration Programme aimed at getting the market for English beef back to normal as soon as possible after European exports resume early next year.
* £1m on a Beef Better Returns scheme to help farmers get the maximum profit from their produce.
* A commitment of £1.5m over two years to the Red Meat Industry Forum, designed to help farmers improve their efficiency.
The meeting was attended by more than 25 leading figures from all parts of the sector.
Lord Bach said afterwards: "I called this meeting to show our support for the industry and that we want to help the sector build a strong future.
"I was delighted with the response - everyone has shown a commitment to working together for a common purpose and that is just what the industry needs.
"Although we are offering money, support and practical help it is for the industry itself to decide its future and I now look forward to hearing of more ideas and initiatives from the organisations at today's meeting."
A joint statement agreed by everyone at the meeting said: "Despite the current short-term difficulties in the industry, we want to send a signal today that the sector can have a prosperous and sustainable future and we have collectively expressed our commitment today to the future of the beef industry in this country."
It was also agreed that a second meeting will be held to discuss progress in the first half of 2006.
JOINT STATEMENT
We have had a useful and constructive meeting. All parties recognise that the beef sector, particularly at farm level, faces considerable challenges as it comes to grips with CAP reform and the move away from production-based subsidies.
Despite the current short-term difficulties in the industry, we want to send a signal today that the sector can have a prosperous and sustainable future, and we have collectively expressed our commitment today to the future of the beef industry in this country.
All parties will work to bring this about.
There was general agreement on the need for work on greater efficiency, throughout the supply chain, and in better re-connection between consumers and producers so that consumers' passion for English beef is based on consistent high quality.
In particular we have agreed on the need to better differentiate our beef from competitor products and to stress the quality and value of the meat that we produce, process and sell.
The meeting agreed that the industry should take a longer-term approach to the supply chain and should explore the use of longer-term contracts along the chain.
There is also a need to work on export markets and on encouraging regional and local food initiatives. We encouraged Defra to continue its work on sustainable public procurement and better regulation. Recognising the short-term difficulties in the market, we agree that we must give producers confidence to move forward for the longer term.
There is strong demand for our quality English beef and it's in everyone's interests that these proposals can be delivered for the future.
Defra - National Farmers' Union - English Beef and Lamb Executive - Meat and Livestock Commission - National Beef Association - Country Landowners Association - Tenant Farmers' Association- Asda - Morrisons - Sainsbury's-Tesco -British Meat Processors' Associaton-International Meat Traders' Association-Red Meat Industry Forum - Association of Independent Meat Suppliers - National Assoc of Catering Butchers - Food and Drink Federation-IGD-British Hospitality Association- National Federation of Meat and Food Traders-Livestock Auctioneers and Valuers-Sir Don Curry (chair of the Sustainable Farming and Food Implementation Group)
