Welsh lamb defies recession

“It has been an encouraging year for farmers and prices have held up well,” according to Rees Roberts, chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru, the Wales-based red meat promotion agency.

“Early figures indicate that exports are up by 11 per cent in 2009,” he told a Farmers Union of Wales Farmhouse Breakfast event in Cardiff today (Tuesday, January 19).

“While this is in part due to the weakness of the pound, the positive feedback we are getting from customers across the world is that they recognise the unique qualities of the Welsh lamb brand and are willing to pay for it.

“For example, major increases in demand for Welsh lamb have been reported in Italy, Belgium and Germany.

“HCC’s aim is to continue marketing Welsh lamb as a global brand, making it an attractive proposition for established markets in Europe as well as the emerging markets of the Middle and Far East so that as producers, we have another positive year in 2010.”

While figures showed sales of some cuts of lamb had declined in the UK during the recession, he said others, such as stewing lamb, had increased by more than 16 per cent.

But Mr Roberts pointed out that the drop in total volume sold could be linked to a decline in breeding stock levels in Wales, rather than a fall in demand from consumers.

“The number of livestock kept on our farms continues to shrink,” he added.

“Latest figures show there are fewer than four million breeding ewes in Wales, a reduction of five per cent in a year and follows a seven per cent cut in numbers between 2007 and 2008.”

The number of animals passing through abattoirs had declined by seven per cent between 2008 and 2009, while exports had soared by more than 11 per cent.

“A greater demand from overseas coupled with a reduction in the number of lambs on the market is bound to result in a reduction in sales at home.

“The decline in livestock numbers is something everyone involved in the red meat industry must keep a close eye on.

“Numbers must not be allowed to decline to such a level where demand far outstrips supply and puts the food security of the country at risk.”

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