Rob Lewis, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board, a beef and lamb producer from Rhayader, said: “In a recent article in the Grocer Magazine, it was pleasing to see a quote by Minister Lesley Griffiths that said ‘The most recent figures show food and drink exports from Wales have grown by almost 25% in recent years, so there is clearly an appetite for Welsh brands beyond its borders’.
“We very much share these views and from our own sector, PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef exports are worth around £250m to the economy of Wales. We have a global reputation for quality, and we have an ambition to grow both volume and value of high quality, climate friendly PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef in both current and new export markets across the globe.
“Evidence from HCC’s The Welsh Way research shows that our red meat production is amongst the most sustainable to the world, with our beef production systems at about 40% of the global average in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and our lamb production systems amongst the lowest of all international studies in terms of emissions. With the right support we can continue to be global leaders in the production of climate friendly red meat delivering jobs, growth and investment to Wales.
Major worry
“What is a major worry for the beef and sheep producers of Wales, is Welsh Government’s current proposals set out in the SFS consultation along with its associated published impact assessment, which suggests we could see a reduction of 122,000 livestock units across Wales in the next five years. This equates to 800,000 sheep from a total flock of 4.8 million breeding ewes or 122,000 adult beef cattle. Not only would this impact on the bottom line of thousands of farm businesses but the effects would impact the whole of the Welsh rural economy.
“Welsh Government’s own economic appraisals put the value of the Welsh meat and meat products sector at £1.4bn, with 64 business units located across Wales and 6,000 employed in these units. Many of these plants rely on a critical mass of produce from farms in Wales so cannot afford to see a reduction in stock numbers from farms in Wales.
“This goes against the government’s aspirations of continuing to grow food products in Wales to meet the increasing demand for our high quality PGI Beef and Lamb, both in the UK and in the vast overseas market.”
Raising concerns
Mr Lewis added: “At our recent board meeting we raised concerns about the practicality and cumulative administrative burden associated with the delivery of the proposed universal actions. Members highlighted that the cost incurred / income foregone payment methodology proposed by Welsh Government for undertaking the Universal Action requirements fails to recognise the value to society of the actions being undertaken by Welsh farmers.
“The board were clear a long-term stability commitment within the SFS was required to recognise the economic, environmental, social and cultural contribution that Welsh farming makes to society and to underpin the resilience of food production in Wales and the continued secure supply of high quality, safe and affordable food from Wales.
“The NFU Cymru Livestock Board believes that a major overhaul of the scheme will need to take place before it is workable for Welsh livestock farmers.”