Representatives from across the beef supply chain met at this week’s Royal Welsh Show, to address the falling market prices for beef.
The meeting brought together the presidents of both of Wales’ main farming unions, as well as Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association, the Welsh Government, and processors’ bodies BMPA and AIMS.
HCC presented an analysis of current market trends, which showed market prices for all classes of cattle fell substantially since April.
An increased domestic supply of beef cattle and a rise in frozen imports in late-2018 added to the woes created by subdued demand and weak consumer confidence.
The meeting agreed on the need for cross-industry co-operation to analyse the market and respond to the current situation.
HCC chief executive Gwyn Howells said: “This was an honest and constructive meeting, in which we were all able to share insight into the current market picture.
The current prices are causing real uncertainty to beef farmers in Wales and across the UK, and confidence needs to be restored in order to ensure the viability of the sector.
“A range of factors are at work, from changes in supply and demand, low consumer confidence, and the market being affected by contingency planning for Brexit at various points in the supply chain.
“HCC is redoubling its efforts to engage with retailers and foodservice suppliers, producing a range of videos and material to support efforts to market the sustainability of PGI Welsh Beef.
“[We will also be] working together with our colleagues in England and Scotland to promote red meat as a healthy part of a balanced diet.”
FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “The drastic decline in suckler numbers – particularly in the uplands – is bad news for agriculture, bad news for the environment, and bad news for the longterm supply of Welsh beef.
The dramatic fall in prices has angered farmers at a time when we should be bolstering confidence ahead of a Brexit likely to lead to shortages of high quality, ethically and sustainably produced beef.
NFU Cymru president John Davies said: “We cannot overestimate the impact the drop in beef price is having on farmer confidence, causing many to raise concerns about the longer-term sustainability of their specialist beef production systems.
“It is clear we need intense marketing and promotional activity from our retailers this summer to help stimulate consumer demand for great-tasting, top-quality Welsh Beef.
“With eating out of the home becoming an evermore important factor, we also want food service providers to commit to sourcing Welsh Beef and providing clear country of origin labels on menus.”
