Regional branding plea from Haddock
Regional branding plea from Haddock
OUTSPOKEN Devon beef producer Richard Haddock reckons the only way to boost the farmers share of profits from food is to have a high-profile, regional branding initiative backed by a robust farming infrastructure.
"We currently get 9p in the retail pound for our products. We need 50p in the pound to thrive," says Mr Haddock.
"We need dynamic, aggressive leadership, and guaranteed commitment from government, South West Rural Development Agency, and local authorities. We need at least two, possibly three, new, independent abattoirs. One on the A30, one on the A38 and one on the Glos/Wilts border."
He feels there is enormous opportunity to sell West Country produce to tourists through regular "mail order" deliveries long after they have returned home.
"I have up to a thousand walkers a day on the coastal footpath through my farm. They tell me they come here to get away from stress, to enjoy the fresh air and scenery and generally clear their heads. We provide those facilities naturally while producing food. If the tourism industry is such a money-spinner for the UK economy as its recently been made out to be, perhaps we should start getting some return for our part in it."
Mr Haddock sees no alternative but investing in processing plant to produce high quality branded ready meals.
"They would be real added value products provided they were of the highest quality. I believe the south-west could lead the way, eventually joining up with other regions for seasonal products."
Other needs include training in skills for added value work on-farm or part time off-farm.
And the most important need of all will be support during the years it will take to make these fundamental changes. During that time, Mr Haddock suggests, Government should impose rules requiring trade terms based on average base cost of production.