All-Wales co-op plan on hold
4 July 2000
All-Wales co-op plan on hold
By FWi staff
AN attempt to encourage Welsh livestock farmers to co-operate in a bid to market more red meat has failed to attract enough support.
About 740 farmers signed up to join the proposed new Welsh Meat Company. But the number is short of the initiatives target figure of 1000 producers.
The Welsh Development Agencys Agri-Food Partnership, which has backed the initiative, said it would discuss the shortfall with the farmers who signed up.
Producers contributed 250 each to establish the company which originally expected to sign up 2000 Welsh livestock farmers when it was launched last year.
The Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) has called for close co-operation and full consultation between all agricultural organisations following the news.
Bob Parry, FUW president, said it was now important that all sections of the industry worked together to find the best way forward for the future.
Speaking at the Royal Show, Mr Parry said: “It is important that agriculture in Wales continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the future.”
He added: “At the same time I believe it is only right that their cheques are returned by the Welsh Meat Company before further options are explored.”
The board of directors of the initiative are expected to unveil a set of alternative proposals at the Royal Welsh Show on 24 July.