HCC Launches Vision 2030 Industry Survey

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has opened an HCC Vision 2030 industry survey to gather levy-payer views for its next four-year strategy. The online survey went live on 20 May and is scheduled to remain open until 25 July 2025.

HCC says the feedback will shape priorities for supporting the Welsh red meat sector through to 2030. Chief executive José Peralta said the consultation follows recent meetings with stakeholder groups and will help identify the industry’s key challenges, opportunities and where HCC can add most value.

The new “Vision 2030” will succeed the current plan at the end of this Senedd term and guide activity across domestic promotion, export development, market intelligence and on-farm sustainability support.

Industry participants and other levy-payers are invited to complete the survey via HCC’s website.

Click here to access the HCC Vision 2030 survey: https://hcc.wales/en/news/hcc-to-consult-on-future-strategic-direction

Original source: HYBU CIG CYMRU

China and Other Nations Reject In-Transit Brazilian Chicken Cargoes Over Bird Flu

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing immediate logistical and financial challenges as countries, including China, are rejecting chicken consignments already in transit following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm.

Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian meat lobby ABPA, stated on Tuesday that the rejection of these cargoes, representing 39% of the global chicken trade, will vary from 14 to 28 days based on the shipment date and the discretion of destination countries’ veterinary services. This situation places major meat processors like BRF SA and JBS SA in a “tight spot,” dealing with increased logistics costs and significant uncertainty.

The outbreak in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul state, triggered health protocols leading to rejections from countries such as China, Mexico, and Chile, among others. Santin noted that easing these restrictions for in-transit cargo, particularly from regions distant from the outbreak zone, is a possibility but will necessitate negotiations.

Santin highlighted the difficulty in calculating precise losses due to the varied scope and duration of trade bans, which depend on individual health protocols and ongoing talks with importing nations. He recalled that China had imposed a nationwide ban on Brazilian chicken for approximately three weeks last year following a Newcastle disease case, also in Rio Grande do Sul, before narrowing it to a state-wide restriction.

Original source: Reuters 

Emily Norton Appointed New Chair of AHDB

STONELEIGH, UK – May 21, 2025 The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced the appointment of Emily Norton as its new Chair. Ms. Norton takes over the leadership role from Nicholas Saphir, who has completed his tenure.

The appointment marks a significant transition for AHDB, the statutory levy board for the red meat, dairy, cereals and oilseeds, and horticulture sectors in Great Britain. Emily Norton brings a wealth of experience to the position, poised to guide the organisation through its strategic objectives and continued support for the farming and growing industries.

Further details regarding Ms. Norton’s background, vision for AHDB, and the transition process are expected to be elaborated upon by the organisation. Her leadership will be key in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture, from sustainability and innovation to market development and producer support.

Original source: AHDB 

UK–EU Reset Deal Delivers Boost to Food Trade

The UK and EU have agreed a reset package. It is aimed at improving food and agricultural trade flows and easing friction for exporters and importers on both sides of the Channel.

The agreement focuses on reducing checks, paperwork and delays affecting agri-food products. It addresses some of the most disruptive post-Brexit barriers faced by meat, dairy and processed food businesses. Industry groups have welcomed the move as a practical step toward restoring smoother trade. Importantly, it occurs without reopening wider political negotiations.

For the food sector, the reset is expected to improve supply chain reliability, lower administrative costs, and reduce border uncertainty. This is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive chilled and fresh products. While not a return to pre-Brexit trading conditions, the deal is seen as a meaningful improvement on the status quo.

The reset forms part of a broader effort to stabilise UK–EU relations. It supports economic growth through targeted cooperation in key sectors, including food and farming.

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Source: Meatex News | May 2025

EU Bans All Brazilian Poultry and Meat Imports Over Bird Flu Outbreak
The European Union has halted all imports of poultry and meat products from Brazil following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. The European Commission stated on Monday that EU import conditions require the exporting country to be free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This move by the EU follows Brazil’s announcement on Friday of the H5N1 outbreak, which also triggered a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions from other major consumers like Japan. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro had previously indicated that, under existing protocols, the EU, China, and South Korea would impose 60-day bans.

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed via email that Brazilian authorities can no longer sign the necessary animal health certificates for exports to the EU, thus preventing any poultry or meat products from any part of Brazil from entering the bloc.

Original source: Reuters

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Risk to Public Health or Food Safety

A case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. Authorities swiftly moved to reassure the public that there is no risk to human health or food safety from this isolated incident.

The animal, which showed some clinical signs of BSE, was humanely culled on the farm and tested.  As it was fallen stock, the animal was not destined to enter the food chain.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss clarified, “Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease. It is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, echoed this reassurance: “There is no food safety risk. There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE. These include controls on animal feed and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.” He added that consumers can be confident in these protective measures. FSA Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors continue to ensure consumer safety in all abattoirs.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported by calling the Defra Helpline on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales), or your local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Failure to report is an offence.

Original source: Gov.uk

Pembrokeshire’s Only “State-of-the-Art” Abattoir Gets Expansion Go-Ahead

Plans to expand facilities at Euro Farm Wales, Pembrokeshire’s sole “state-of-the-art” abattoir, have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The application sought permission for an extension to the yard, along with the construction of a storage building and water tanks, at the existing abattoir located on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.

The approved scheme is anticipated to yield positive economic benefits by enabling the expansion of the existing business and securing local employment. Furthermore, positive environmental impacts are expected through the implementation of a sustainable drainage system for surface water and the provision of landscaping on the eastern boundary, as well as bird boxes on the proposed storage building.

The application was granted conditional approval, paving the way for the expansion of this key agricultural infrastructure in Pembrokeshire.

Original source: Yahoo News

Brazil Pins Hopes on Regional Approach to Ease Bird Flu Trade Bans

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing a challenging period following the country’s first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. However, Brazilian officials are optimistic that major importers, particularly China, will adopt a regional approach to trade bans, limiting restrictions to the affected southern state rather than implementing nationwide suspensions.

Luis Rua, international secretary at Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, expressed confidence that “since global demand is very strong, it’s likely that there will soon be some flexibility.” He added, “We are doing our part to quickly share information so things aren’t suspended for long.”

The hope is that China, Brazil’s largest chicken export market, will follow the lead of Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have indicated a willingness to restrict bans to chicken from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak occurred.

A nationwide ban would be particularly painful for both Brazil, which accounts for over 35% of global chicken exports, and major importers like China, which sources over half of its chicken imports from Brazil. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro highlighted this reliance, noting that the United States is the other primary supplier to China.

Interestingly, China already has significant restrictions on US poultry due to a widespread bird flu outbreak in the United States and ongoing trade tensions. Currently, China blocks poultry imports from more than 40 US states.

Brazilian officials are banking on their ability to contain the outbreak within Rio Grande do Sul and the strong global demand for chicken to persuade key importers to adopt a targeted, regional approach to any trade restrictions.

Original source: Reuters

Norfolk Farming Leader Demands Urgent Government Action on “Alarming” Abattoir Decline

A leading Norfolk farmer has joined calls for immediate government intervention to address the “alarming decline” of small abattoirs across the UK.

Graham Shadrack, the Norfolk chairman for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and a Breckland pig farmer of over 50 years, echoed concerns raised by MPs during a recent Westminster Hall debate highlighting the critical role of these facilities in the meat supply chain and the severe threat posed by their rapid closure.

The debate revealed that the sector is at “crisis point,” with small abattoirs reportedly closing at a rate of 10% annually, leaving just 60 operational in the UK by 2023.

Mr Shadrack welcomed the parliamentary discussion as a “positive start” but stressed that tangible government action must now follow. “The shortage of local abattoirs is a major issue for farmers in this area,” he stated. “People are travelling crazy distances to take animals for slaughter and this is not a sustainable situation.”

To address this crisis, the NFU is advocating for several measures, including a government-led independent review of the FSA’s cost structures, workforce management, and use of contractors. They also propose that charges be based on the number of animals processed at each abattoir and call for increased adoption of technology and automation, prioritised recruitment and training of directly-employed vets and inspectors, and the reinstatement of the Smaller Abattoir Fund.

Original source: Eastern Daily Press

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS

Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Marfrig’s strong presence in the beef sector with BRF’s extensive chicken and pork operations.

Marfrig had been steadily increasing its stake in BRF since 2021, culminating in a 50.5% ownership share prior to the merger. The newly formed MBRF is projected to have annual sales of $26.75 billion, positioning it as a significant competitor to Brazil’s leading meat processor, JBS.

Similar to JBS, Marfrig has established operations in the United States, holding an 82% stake in National Beef Packing Co. The merger will bring National Beef under the MBRF umbrella, further solidifying its presence in the crucial North American market. Marfrig previously owned Keystone Foods before its sale to Tyson in 2018.

While shareholder approval is still required at a meeting scheduled for June 18th, it is widely anticipated given Marfrig’s majority ownership.

MBRF’s CFO, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the new entity may consider a U.S. stock market listing in the future, a move JBS has also frequently hinted at pursuing.

Local reports suggest that this significant consolidation within the Brazilian meat industry will further strengthen Brazil’s position as a key meat supplier to China, a crucial export market for both Marfrig and BRF.

Original source: Foodprocessing.com