A Senedd Committee has sounded the alarm over the future of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), urging major reforms to restore trust and accountability.
The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee has called for decisive action following recent internal turmoil and leadership challenges at the levy board responsible for promoting Welsh meat.
The Welsh government must launch a comprehensive review of HCC’s governance and ownership, and to consider returning greater control to the Welsh meat industry.
Concerns have been raised over the organisation’s financial stability, engagement with stakeholders, and the need for clearer performance targets.
Andrew RT Davies MS, who chairs the committee, stressed the importance of strong leadership: “Welsh beef and lamb are globally renowned for their quality. Hybu Cig Cymru must reflect that in its leadership and delivery.”
He described the organisation as being at a crossroads, following what he called “a difficult period marked by internal disruption and loss of confidence”.
According to Mr Davies, this is a chance to rebuild trust, strengthen governance, and ensure proper accountability to the levy payers who fund HCC.
He argued that “stronger industry representation at the highest levels within Hybu Cig Cymru could have helped to prevent the recent turmoil in the organisation and foster better leadership.”
Going forward, he said, the voice of the sector must be heard at every level to avoid a repeat of the problems.
Mr Davies also pointed to wider pressures on farmers: “This is also a challenging time for farmers, with a lot of uncertainty around tax and financial support.
"This is why it’s more important than ever that Hybu Cig Cymru is focused on working hard on behalf of farmers, and the wider meat industry, to promote our premium red meat.”
Concluding, he urged ministers to act without delay: “The Welsh government must now step up and act on these recommendations to secure the future of our red meat sector.”
NFU Cymru has welcomed the report, noting that many of its recommendations echo evidence the union submitted to the inquiry.
It supports proposals for levy payers to have more direct influence over HCC’s governance and for greater independence from Welsh government in appointing board members.
Livestock Board Chair Rob Lewis said the red meat industry relies heavily on HCC’s remit to promote Welsh lamb, beef and pork, both domestically and overseas, and argued that levy payers must feel genuine accountability for how their money is spent.
He suggested industry bodies, including farming unions and processor associations, should have permanent seats on the board.
The union also backed calls for clarity over HCC’s financial future. It warned that without Welsh government support, Wales risks being left behind competitors such as Ireland, where governments invest heavily in levy boards.
Despite concerns over declining sheep and beef numbers, NFU Cymru believes Wales has significant opportunities to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable livestock production.
Mr Lewis said the levy must be used “to develop, promote and market red meat from Wales”, adding that HCC, as an industry-led body, will be vital in securing the future of producers, processors and rural communities.
