BUENOS AIRES, Jan 3 (Reuters) – Argentina on Monday extended its suspension of exports of some beef cuts with little international demand until the end of 2023, a measure previously agreed with the sector.

“The measures contribute to generating a balance between the Argentine market and the export of meat products,” the government said of the decision.

“Export administration is established for some beef cuts that are preferred by the Argentine market and for mass consumption,” it added

Reporting by Hernán Nessi; writing by Peter Frontini / Reuters

A pocket-sized booklet full of facts, figures and trends for the Welsh lamb, beef and pork industries has been released.

The latest statistical guide to Wales’ red meat industry has been launched by industry levy body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).

The ‘Little Book of Meat Facts’ is an annual publication produced for anyone with an interest in the sector, covering the financial year from April 2020 to March 2021

The data provided covers everything from the size of agricultural holdings and market trends to trade data and consumer habits during this time period.

It follows an extraordinary year as a result of Brexit and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The guide shows that, despite all the disruptions and changes during 2020/2021, the industry remains key to the economy in Wales.

HCC’s data analyst, Glesni Phillips said: “We usually launch the Little Book of Meat Facts earlier in the year, but Covid restrictions meant that statistics weren’t readily available until later than usual.

“However, the end product contains all the usual information, from general statistics which provide an overview of Welsh agriculture, followed by specific sections on cattle, sheep and pigs.”

She added: “Here in Wales, it is the backbone of rural communities. Large numbers are employed in the sector and the contribution of red meat production to the economy is significant.”

 

 

by Farming UK

Auction markets were expecting to feel the impact of border closures at sheep sales this week as demand drops for export weight lambs.

On Sunday (December 20), France shut its border with the UK for 48 hours, meaning no lorries or ferries will sail from the port of Dover.

Ted Ogden, auctioneer at Skipton, said there would be demand for lambs to serve the domestic market but several export focused companies had told them they would no longer require the class of lamb for export.

“We still require sheep. The sales are still going ahead,” he said.

“But people need to know that their expectations may need to change and make their own decisions. Informing them is part of our job as auctioneers. If buyers are wanting more of those lambs we tell them so it seemed right we communicate this.”

 

 

by Alex Black

 

 

Pork has bucked an otherwise declining trend within the UK food and drink sector to significantly increase export volumes so far this year. 

In terms of export value, pork now lies fifth on the list of UK food and drink products, behind only whisky, chocolate salmon and cheese, according to fresh analysis from the Food and Drink Federation.

Overall, it is a gloomy picture, showing that in third quarter of 2020, UK food and drink exports fell by 11.6% to £5.5bn, compared with the same period in 2019, as both exports to EU and non-EU markets declined. This decrease was largely driven by the impacts of COVID-19, including the closure of hospitality and travel sectors, which has meant a loss of sales into restaurants, cafés, bars and the out-of-home sector across Europe.

In the first nine months to September 2020, food and drink exports fell to £15.2bn (-12.9%) year-on-year. Exports to the majority of the top 20 markets decreased, with sales to Spain falling significantly by -33.8%.

 

by Alistair Driver