Bates welcomes launch of action plan for £361m a year red meat industry (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Bates welcomes launch of action plan for £361m a year red meat industry

April 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed today's launch of the action plan for the £361m a year Welsh Red Meat Industry by the Minister for Rural Affairs, but warns that given the volatility of current financial markets, domestic sales will be crucial to ensure a strong red meat industry in the future.

According to the Welsh Government, the red meat industry contributes £361m a year to the Welsh economy, including exports worth £108m - 43% of the total annual value of Welsh agricultural output.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM stated:

"It is fantastic to see the Welsh red meat industry bringing in such huge revenue to the Welsh economy. Our European success is not just limited to European markets but also extends beyond to places such as Dubai and Hong Kong, which is testament to the quality of our Welsh produce.

"Our agricultural industry in Wales will be key to combating the current recession and in light of this I welcome the launch of the action plan on the Welsh red meat industry. In the current economic climate it is crucial that we continue to support our farming industries here in Wales which offer so much support to our rural communities.

"It is important that we bear in mind that the current high sales figures may in part be due to the weakness of the pound at the moment in terms of international money markets. The action plan must ensure the development of a strong domestic market as well as continue to support the export industry, to ensure that we continue to build a strong and secure food sector for the future here in Wales."

Notes:

According to figures published by Hybu Cig Cymru:

- Welsh lamb sales abroad account for £91million of the annual total with Welsh beef making up the difference.

- The largest importer is France with imports to the value of £66.5million for Welsh Lamb and £2.5million for Welsh Beef.

- Sales of Welsh Lamb last year were also worth more than £200,000 in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

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