Assembly gets red meat right!

NFU Cymru has welcomed the announcement that Wales will retain a separate red meat promotion body as part of the UK Review of Levy Bodies.

Dai Davies, President of NFU Cymru said, “Although the details of the new body have yet to be finalised we welcome the Environment, Planning and Countryside Minister’s commitment to a separate red meat promotion body for Wales. The red meat sector is of crucial importance to Wales and we will look to the new body to build upon the work of Hybu Cig Cymru. As the livestock industry continues to adapt to the Single Farm Payment and a growing dependence upon the market for its returns, then marketing and promotion will be more important than ever.

“There are clearly many challenges facing our red meat sector and we need to ensure that the impetus that has been built up by HCC is carried forward and enhanced for the benefit of our industry in Wales.”

Mr Davies continued, “We will, in particular, be looking to retain the producer focus and control that exists within HCC as it is vitally important that levy payers and producers have the final say in how their levy money is spent. NFU Cymru now awaits the formal discussions with the Minister on the detail of the new body, and we will look to make early progress so that the new body is up and running as soon as possible.”