Lord Bach calls beef industry together for top level talks

Farming Minister Lord Bach has invited key figures in the English beef industry to a meeting which will discuss the crucial issues facing the sector.

He will chair the one-off meeting at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Friday October 14th.

Industry leaders from all parts of the beef sector, including farmers, processors, caterers and retailers have been invited to attend.

The meeting has been arranged in the light of serious concerns expressed by leading representative organisations about a range of issues threatening the future of the beef industry. It will also discuss work on the sector which is in progress at Defra.

Lord Bach said: "Now is the right time to call this high-level meeting. The beef industry is undoubtedly facing some major challenges and planning for the future could be difficult if the sector doesn't get to grips with these. I want to get the key players together to help them discuss a way forward.

"At the same time Defra wants to offer all the help it reasonably can. In particular, we are focusing on getting the Over Thirty Month rule and the beef export ban lifted. In addition, Defra has already done much to assist the sector through its support for the Red Meat Industry Forum.

"I hope to say more about further practical help we can offer at the meeting on October 14th but I also want to hear what the industry plans to do. The issues must be addressed by the sector itself if it wants to ensure that English beef retains its vital role at the centre of a sustainable farming industry in this country."