"If the UK is serious about its beef industry then primary producers need more commitment from retailers and government, otherwise if we are not careful, we will not have a sustainable beef industry in this country," said NFU Cymru Brecon and Radnor Chairman, John Davies at a recent meeting of local members.
Mr Davies also told the local members present at the meeting held on the Royal Welsh Showground, "The whole beef production chain is dependent on beef finishers getting a satisfactory price for their animals. Profits need to be made throughout the production chain if businesses are to survive in the future."
Dai Davies, Vice President of NFU Cymru was the guest speaker at the meeting where the current low commodity prices being received by local farmers for their lamb and beef was the main issue discussed.
Dai Davies reassured local members that NFU Cymru is working hard to secure positive market signals from the supply chain. He said, "NFU Cymru will be communicating to all the major retailers and telling them that they need to treat their UK suppliers in a much fairer and open manner, rather than have a 'them and us' attitude."
John Davies commended Hybu Cig Cymru for their recent announcement that it is to fund an additional beef marketing campaign which is set to start at the end of September. He said, "As beef producers we are very pleased at this news as previous marketing campaigns similar to this one have proved very successful in terms of stimulating demand for Welsh beef, which is the best in the world."