Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Llyr Gruffydd AM has called for greater urgency from the UK and Welsh Governments on reforming the Levy
One year on from a promise by the then DEFRA Minister, David Heath MP, to find a negotiated settlement to reform the Red Meat Levy, there is still no action on creating a fairer system that generates the income used to promote the red meat sector in Wales.
The Red Meat Levy is currently paid by farmers, processors or abattoirs and is collected where the animals are slaughtered. Therefore Welsh livestock that is transported over the border to be slaughtered generates income to support competitors in the meat industry in England, rather than Wales. The loss of Welsh abattoirs therefore brings a direct threat to the viability of the red meat industry in Wales and undermines the good work of Hybu Cig Cymru.
The Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Llyr Gruffydd AM raised the issue with the Minister for Natural Resources and Food in the Assembly chamber today and the Minister joined the North Wales AM in expressing frustration at the lack of action.
Mr Gruffydd said:
“The Minister is right to point the finger at Westminster for promising action and then doing nothing but where has he been until now? A year has passed since the UK Government promised to address the levy issue and we are still waiting.
“The red meat industry in Wales is estimated to be losing around £1 million every year because of the flaw in the levy system. This foot-dragging therefore comes with a hefty price tag and a significant loss to the sector. In the mean time we have seen Welsh farm incomes fall by 44% compounded by a considerable recent drop in the price of beef. It is therefore more important than ever that we retain an income that is rightly ours to promote and develop our red meat industry.
“It is a matter of urgency that both Governments talk to each other and find a solution based on the promises made a year ago. What we have had so far is all talk and no action, which isn’t good enough.”
