Yn dilyn y cyhoeddiad ar 9 Mai 2020 ynghylch y cymorth i ffermwyr llaeth, a wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am pa cymorth fydd ar gael i ffermwyr cig eidion a defaid yn ystod yr achosion o coronafeirws?
COVID-19, and measures to reduce its spread, has had a major impact on the food and farming sector. In particular the sector has felt the immediate impact from the closure of the food services sector and I am aware of the impact the realignment of the supply chain has had on processors and primary producers.
Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) have recently launched a national consumer campaign encouraging consumers to “Make It” with beef. £1.2m has been allocated to deliver the campaign which aims to reach 85% of UK households and deliver a three-to-one return on investment, well above the industry average.
The campaign is a joint response to carcase balance challenges faced by the beef supply chain in the wake of Covid-19, which has seen a surge in demand for beef mince in supermarkets. Beef will be the main focus of the campaign initially with the focus changing to lamb as the supply increases during early summer.
Separately, HCC is also running campaigns to boost the sector, using current recipe based content and engaging with high profile chefs and other celebrities to produce more video based content. This extensive campaign has already started and promotes PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef, encouraging consumers to cook new types of meals at home.
My officials are in regular contact with the UK Government to monitor prices on a weekly basis and I am in regular contact with industry stakeholders directly to discuss the issues facing each sector - this includes the Agriculture Resilience Group (ARG), the Beef Focus Group and a Sheep Focus Group.
Current new season lamb prices are in a favourable position at the moment but I will continue to monitor the situation closely with regular updates from Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and through the UK Market Monitoring Group (UKMMG).
Industry reports suggest a good 2020 lambing season, and coupled with the good weather, it is anticipated an influx of prime lamb will be brought forward in the next few weeks. The export market continues to be uncertain and “No Deal” remains a real possibility.
My officials are working closely with HCC to monitor prices, undertake scenario planning for all eventualities and ensuring we have the most up-to-date information available to help our decision making.