Organic beef sales up 31%

Organic beef sales rose by 31 percent in the past year according to leading livestock producer group Graig Producers on the first day of the Royal Welsh Show (18 ’ 21 July). This was to the detriment of lamb and pork as households bought 19% less organic lamb and 27% less organic pork. The Group advocates that in a volatile market of shrinking supplies and increased demand the only way forward is farmer collaboration if farms are to secure their future.

Bob Kennard, managing director of Graig Producers, and Chairman of the Organic Beef and Sheep Development Group, said: ’Farms working in isolation are finding it increasingly difficult to compete against the big boys, agree guaranteed minimum prices and secure the best markets. In order to compete we must, collaborate more closely and market better.

’The increased lamb exports and a consequent shrinking of supplies in the UK resulted in a retail price hike and reduction in consumer demand. The danger is that the slide in demand will discourage future production. We are taking steps now to ensure continuity of supply next winter by negotiating a minimum price guarantee for our farming members.’

Graig Producers acts as a hub in the production wheel, not only feeding back vital information on specification demands but also providing advice on how to meet these specifications. Members’ input costs are reduced and margins increased.

Driven by the steady rise in feed prices Graig Producers launched this month it’s National Input Supply Scheme which guarantees low-cost quality inputs to its members nationwide. ’Farm costs are now rising faster than inflation and bulk buying of feeds, seeds, fertiliser, fuel, and ear tags has a positive knock-on effect on the profitability of our members,’ says Bob Kennard.

Graig Producers is a collaborative livestock producer group working with several hundred sheep and beef farmers throughout England and Wales to supply the supermarkets with organic beef and lamb. It acts as a hub in the production wheel, helping to secure the best market for its members and identify new markets, add value and secure predictable prices. Economies of scale results in cost savings for its members.

Graig Producers are at the Royal Welsh Show in the Organic Marquee, Countryside area, and in the National Sheep Association’s Sheep Centre.