HYBU Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has been supporting the Welsh red meat abattoir and processing sector through regional forums.

At these, opportunities were explored for obtaining support to add value to produce, and new traceability technology was discussed.

Representatives of most of Wales’s meat processors attended meetings at Pencoed, near Bridgend, and Corwen to hear speakers from HCC, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Innovation Wales.

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Rhiannon Facey-Richards and Katie Pressdee outlined the role of their Zero2Five and Food Innovation Wales Centres in the Welsh Government’s ‘Project Helix’ – a fund which could help Welsh abattoirs and cutting plants invest in creating innovative new products and processes as well as reducing waste.

Speakers from the FSA explained the proposed new rules on carcase splitting, which have been widely welcomed within the industry, as well as other regulatory changes, while experts from HCC gave an overview of industry trends and marketing initiatives and outlined the award-winning new technology which underpins the outstanding traceability of PGI Welsh Lamb.

John Richards, HCC’s industry development and relations manager, said that these meetings were a crucial part of HCC’s support for processors, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises which played a vital part in the supply chain.

“This was an opportunity for HCC and various other bodies to engage with representatives of abattoirs and cutting plants, exchange ideas, and ensure that they’re aware of all the new opportunities that exist,” he said.

“This is a challenging time for the sector, so it was important to hear about the innovation grants through Project Helix, the new Welsh lamb traceability technology which is underpinned by our partners in Oritain, in addition to relevant changes in regulations.”

Many representatives of the small and medium-sized processing sector appreciated the opportunity to share information.

Catherine Butler, owner of Hugh Phillips Gower Butcher, said “It was nice to have a meeting where other plant owners meet and discuss mutual matters.

"We consider attending these events and making contacts in the industry very important for the development of our business.”

Sian Evans, from G R Evans & Co of Corwen, said: “It was a good opportunity to meet up with fellow abattoirs and cutting plants and to hear of the continuing work of HCC, being updated on the new FSA guidance and possible funding opportunities and we are looking forward to see more of these events being held in the future.”