Assurance needed for Welsh meat industry
NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board has highlighted the need for positive market signals from retailers and red-meat processors in terms of securing better prices for Welsh beef and lamb to foster much needed confidence amongst livestock producers and also to secure the industry’s future.
John Dracup, Director for St Merryn Meats was present to discuss the current market with Board members. They took the opportunity to stress the need for meat processors and retailers to encourage and foster a greater sense of confidence amongst livestock producers by securing more realistic market prices.
Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, Ed Rees said, "If meat processors and of course retailers want to maintain their position whereby they can adequately meet consumer demand for Welsh beef and lamb, they must encourage and foster a greater sense of confidence amongst livestock producers. Communication, fair marketing arrangements and greater trust are all key aspects to a better relationship but the main factor of course is to secure much more realistic market prices for our produce.
"Retailers, abattoirs and the Welsh Assembly Government must quickly recognise and appreciate that if market returns do not equate sufficiently with the costs of production then meeting the consumer demand for Welsh beef and lamb may well become difficult in the years ahead. British meat processors and retailers must live up to their reputation as world leaders as they strive to deliver stable and secure long-term food supplies for consumers.
"We are moving into an era where security of food supply is going to be a critical factor. The global challenges that we face - climate change, water depletion and population growth are enormous. NFU Cymru is of the view that British food processors and retailers need to show leadership now by developing a sustainable supply chain, based on long-term relationships, delivering what is, in the end, the key for consumers - stable and secure food supplies.
"Farmer confidence has been knocked for six this summer due to the bad weather conditions and rapidly rising input costs. It is now essential that the supply chain delivers long term confidence in the way of sustainable supply relationships and realistic market prices, otherwise we will see farmers turning their backs on production which will do little to help the Country react to the critical factor of securing its food supply."