Post-Brexit risks start worrying Welsh meat producers
Wales officials start paying more attention to the Brexit talks development. Rhys Llywelyn, Market Development Manager for Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), draw a perfect picture of the risks lying ahead in case of a hard Brexit.
"Exports are very important for our industry as they help to maintain prices during times of peak production. In the case of lamb, in particular, it also gives the chance to achieve carcase balance, with export customers preferring different cuts to UK consumers. The uncertainty creates a major dilemma for HCC in prioritising where to spend scarce resources. If a trade agreement is reached, maintaining our existing relationships with retailers and foodservice companies in Europe will be imperative.
However, if there’s no deal, the prospect of high tariffs to export to the EU under WTO rules means that we must also prioritise developing newer markets further afield, and also make more of the domestic market", explained Rhys at a meeting with local farmers.
PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef are two iconic meat brands from Wales, but no matter how appreciated are there is no open door for those two products to enter another market unless the Uk sign a trade agreement with that particular country. "We’ve been helped by support from the Welsh Government for our enhanced export plan, but this is a challenging period. Free Trade Agreements, and also obtaining market access to countries where we currently don’t have permission to export red meat such as Japan and Saudi Arabia, are out of our hands", admitted Rhys.
(Photo source: Pixabay)
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