Red meat industry ‘brings in over £1bn’

The country’s economy would lose £906m in contributions to employment alone if the red meat sector became unsustainable says the study, thought to be the first analysis of its kind to look at the contribution of the meat industry.

Produced by analysts Matrix Evidence on behalf of industry bodies EBLEX and BPEX, it also claims that 96,000 people are directly employed by the industry, 91,000 of whom are in rural areas, and that just over 20 per cent of these people would face unemployment if the sector were to cease. It also says the demand created by farming in allied industries supported an additional 772,998 jobs.

The report has been presented to Farming Minister Jim Paice, who said it showed red meat was “a crucial part of our economy”.

Graham Stuart, Tory MP for Beverley and Holderness, issued a statement saying: “As policy makers, it is crucial that we work hard to ensure that we maintain a vibrant and successful rural economy, and recognise the role that a strong and profitable farming sector plays in giving rural communities a sense of cohesion and pride.”

Joanne Pugh, of the National Beef Association, said the study came as good news after meat farmers had been the subject of so much bad publicity in recent weeks. Earlier this month a study linked red meat consumption with ill-health.

She said: “It is very easy for the Government to overlook agriculture – now we have figures which show the contribution in terms of income and employment, both directly and indirectly.

“We are now in a far better position so that when negative stories and matters come to the forefront regarding farming we can show the benefit that the industry brings too.”

EBLEX is the organisation for beef and sheep farmers, BPEX for the pig industry.

Comment: Page 12.