The Welsh government has awarded £1.5m to support the Welsh red meat industry after Brexit.
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths announced she is providing the large pot of money over the next three years for Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
The government is wanting to deliver an Enhanced Export Development Programme to support the red meat industry in Wales.
With the impending departure of the UK from the European Union and the uncertainty over the terms of access to key markets post-2019, the Welsh red meat industry faces significant challenges.
Most of the challenges lie in prioritising the maintenance of existing export markets and the development of new ones.
Welsh farmers have previously urged the government for guaranteed 'unfettered access' to EU markets after Brexit.
'Significant challenges'
Ms Griffiths said the funding for HCC is a direct response to these "significant" challenges.
HCC indicate that only 5% of lamb produced in Wales is consumed in Wales, with up to 40% being exported outside the UK.
It is estimated that over 90% of these exports are traded within the European Union single market, and worth over €200m per year.
She said: “The Welsh red meat industry is heavily reliant on global export markets to achieve premium prices. Strong overseas demand uplifts farm gate prices and helps to balance supply and demand thus securing greater returns for the supply chain. This demonstrates the significance of export markets for the Welsh red meat industry.
“This £1.5m funding is a direct response to the significant challenge the industry faces with the uncertainty of future trading arrangements post-Brexit.
“We clearly need to continue to strengthen and future-proof our industry and it is vital that HCC continue to support the industry to maintain key markets in Europe, as well as look further afield.
“I am confident that this investment and the support to be delivered by HCC will help the industry to meet the challenges and opportunities over the next few years.”
