NFU Cymru members in Meirionnydd welcomed the recent announcement by the Deputy Minister, Rebecca Evans, of a four million Euro fund to Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), over a three year period, to promote Welsh lamb and beef in Germany and Italy, and Welsh lamb in Sweden and Denmark.
Speaking about the announcement at a recent NFU Cymru county meeting, Lewis Williams, Meirionnydd NFU Cymru County Chairman said, “Despite the recent constraints regarding the strength of the pound against the euro, Europe remains a hugely important market for Welsh lamb and beef, however expanding further and finding new markets for our produce is essential in going forward.
“Therefore, it’s vital that the Deputy Minister continues to urge Defra, who are taking the lead on opening the lamb and beef export market to China, to move the trade talks as swiftly as possible. The potential for exports to China is enormous, particularly as we develop a longer shelf life for fresh meat.”
Those present at the meeting also called on HCC to increase competition, through promotion, for red meat products on the domestic and export market. Mr Williams ended, “It is however essential that the promotion covers all types and weight range of lambs produced by Welsh farmers, with emphasis on succulence and quality of our great product.”
