Last weekend’s comprehensive re-shuffle has put growth and efficiency firmly on the agenda, and the UK’s meat industry stands ready to back that agenda and work constructively with our new Defra Ministers Emma Reynolds and Angela Eagle.
Commenting on the changes, the CEO of BMPA, Nick Allen said: “Our one big wish is that progress already made on the key challenges facing our industry is not lost, and that the momentum for change is sustained. There are a number of initiatives currently underway that will bring material benefits to the British meat and livestock industry and shore up the UK’s food security, which we’re keen to see progress.”
BMPA stands ready to support our new ministers with clear insights into the technical, trade, workforce and sustainability aspects of this complicated part of Britain’s food supply chain.
Of chief importance to unlocking growth and trade opportunities is the timely negotiation of a comprehensive SPS agreement with the EU. This will cut costs and red tape, make our businesses more competitive and unlock previously lost trade opportunities in our most significant market. Meat processors are at the centre of this complex food supply chain and can provide a 360 degree view of the technicalities that will present both opportunities and pitfalls for UK negotiators.
On the wider issue of food security and self-sufficiency, BMPA shares the concerns voiced by Marks & Spencer’s Head of Food, Alex Freudmann, who contends that the UK’s food security is “under pressure like never before.” A good example of this is the difficulty our members face getting new, state-of-the-art pig and poultry units through restrictive local planning departments, stifling investment and growth and preventing modernisation. Reform to the planning system would go a long way to unlocking more productive potential.
The other big area of concern to the industry which our new ministers will be facing is the heightened threat to biosecurity. BMPA would like to see work completed on the new Livestock Information Service. We can’t afford to see its development and implementation stall, and we’d urge Defra to mandate its use going forward.
Nick Allen explains: “The reason Foot & Mouth Disease spread so widely and quickly in 2001 and caused such financial damage was that animal movements continued for several days after the first case was reported but there was no real-time digital system to track where they went. We now have a system and the tools needed to be able to quickly shut down animal movements within the UK should the disease reach our shores again.”
From trade and food security to ensuring we have enough skilled workers, there are many challenges facing Britain’s food producers. BMPA is keen to work with our new ministers and the team at Defra to find solutions.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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