Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner addresses BMPA members at AGM
The BMPA was delighted to welcome Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner MP to their AGM on Tuesday 8th October. The Minister addressed the audience on a wide range of issues relating to the red meat supply chain.
He talked about the government’s concerns and commitments on food security, the trading relationship with the EU, future planned trade deal negotiations, the challenges on labour issues for the industry, the apprenticeship scheme, border controls and the importance of maintaining bio security on animal diseases. Most importantly his message to the membership was that government’s desire is to work closely with industry to find solutions to the many challenges ahead.
Tom Kirwan the President of the BMPA welcomed the Minister and highlighted the role that member companies play in both keeping the home market supplied with British meat and the contribution the sector makes to the economy through its exporting activities. The President expressed members’ concerns about the declining supply of British Livestock and spoke about the need for everyone to work together to reverse current trends in livestock numbers to maintain Britain’s food security.