Welsh red meat strategy on course

- Published: 11 August, 2010

A strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the Welsh red meat indsutry is on course to hit its targets, bosses have announced.

A strategic action plan was launched by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones last year to ensure a profitable, efficient, sustainable and innovative Welsh red meat industry, which responds “competitively to ever-changing market trends and benefits the people of Wales”.

The first annual monitoring review of the plan has now been published by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and the Welsh Assembly government, and said work has either been completed or is progressing well on most of the strategy’s aims.

Elin Jones said: “This is an important milestone in the delivery of the action plan for the red meat industry. It is heartening to see our continuing strategies and support for the red meat sector, delivering results in developing the industry and increasing awareness of our products. I look forward to reviewing further progress on the work in future.”

HCC chairman Rees Roberts said: “Our strategic plan is a living document, constantly being updated to meet the changing needs of the industry in Wales.

“I am pleased with the progress we have made so far, and will continue to monitor the plan on an annual basis to ensure that we are delivering our policies effectively for everyone working in the Welsh red meat sector.”

Among the targets achieved in the first year of the three-year strategic plan were increasing exports by 10%, boosting awareness of Welsh red meat in England by 32% and organising foreign study tours for groups of farmers to share and adopt best-practice.

>> Welsh aim for new food strategy

>> Strategic plan of action for Welsh meat