Hybu Cig Cymru avoids shake-up following inquiry

The Welsh government has rejected a recommendation from the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (Etra) committee to shake up troubled Welsh red meat levy body Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).

The Etra committee previously published a report on the levy body, recommending that a major overhaul was necessary, with control handed back to the industry amid concerns over HCC’s effectiveness, internal unrest, and leadership issues.

See also: Senedd committee report urges shake-up of HCC

The levy board has experienced turmoil over the past two years, amid reports of a toxic culture and the departure of key staff members.

It is understood that a legal challenge by former chief executive Gwyn Howells, who resigned in June 2024 after a year-long sickness absence, is ongoing.

Governance review

The Etra committee recommended that the Welsh government review HCC’s governance to better represent the views of levy payers, increase industry involvement, and possibly transfer full ownership back to levy payers.

This was, however, rejected by the Welsh government on the grounds that five out of 11 board members, including the chairman, are levy payers, and therefore the governance structure at HCC reflects the views and interests of levy payers and the wider industry.

Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies added that his officials would shortly advise him on the reappointment and recruitment options for those board members whose terms end in March 2026.

“I will take the committee’s recommendation into account and will continue to ensure there is a varied skill set and continue to provide a robust and diverse board,” he said in a statement.

‘Disappointing’ response

Andrew RT Davies MS, chairman of the Senedd’s Etra committee, was disappointed with the Welsh government’s response, which rejected three out of nine recommendations.

“HCC has experienced a turbulent period, and I believe our recommendations would support the chief executive in his efforts to turn the organisation around and ensure it is fit to continue promoting Welsh red meat into the future,” he said.

He added that the report will be debated in the Senedd on 3 December, and urged the Welsh government to reconsider its “disappointing response”.

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) added that the Welsh government has put Wales on a path of reduced livestock numbers by not acting on the committee’s recommendations.

“The Welsh government has no intention to do anything other than maintain the status quo. The path is clear in Wales, livestock production will decline, the sector will get smaller, and HCC will be less relevant as it will have less funding,” said Nick Allen, BMPA chief executive.

Missed opportunity

The Association of Independent Meat Processors (Aims), which gave evidence to the committee, said it was encouraged, but not yet fully satisfied by the response.

“Rejecting a structured review of governance feels like a missed opportunity,” said Jason Aldiss, executive director at Aims.

“Levy payers – farmers and processors – ultimately fund this body and must be confident it is visibly industry-led in its culture and accountability, not just in rhetoric.” 

A HCC spokesman said the levy body is engaging with Welsh government officials to explore and consider how best to respond to the areas highlighted.