A hard or chaotic Brexit is the Welsh red meat industry’s “biggest threat” warned Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) chairman Kevin Roberts at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair today (November 26).
“As we come to the end game, the biggest threat to our industry’s future is a hard or chaotic exit in March,” Roberts told guests at the HCC industry breakfast.
“We have been emphasising to those handling Brexit at a UK level of the catastrophic impacts it would mean for our vital export trade.”
He said some ‘inroads’ had been made with these messages. “Welsh Lamb, specifically, was mentioned in the EU’s comments on the withdrawal agreement as a brand that would be protected by the deal on mutual recognition of Protected Food Names.
“I’d like to think that this – Welsh Lamb being cited above all the other 85 UK brands – shows that we’ve been making our voice heard.”
Industry action
However, Roberts added that there were still practical things that could be done within the industry.
“We can make preparations for all potential outcomes. Here in Wales,” he said.
HCC will continue to work with our partners in the industry and Welsh Government; we will offer leadership to support the supply chain; we’ll work to open and sustain markets and boost our brands.
“We’ll encourage innovation in our industry and we’ll keep telling the consumers the real truths about red meat, about how our impeccable, sustainable, production processes for our premium, world-class Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef products.”
