Industry bid to feed our troops local produce (From Western Telegraph)

Industry bid to feed our troops local produce

Pembrokeshire's military sites could soon be serving up locally-produced meat to troops. After years of campaigning, the farming industry appears close to an agreement which would see more Welsh meat consumed at Ministry of Defence establishments.

Every year, hundreds of armed forces personnel train at Pembrokeshire's military sites including Castlemartin, Penally and Manorbier Ranges. Also, the soldiers of the 14th Signals Regiment are permanently based at Brawdy Barracks.

They consume large quantities of meat, but the MOD is limited through its 'best value' purchasing policy from supporting local producers. Contracts often favour overseas producers including the Brazilian and Argentinian meat industry.

A delegation from the farming industry recently met MOD meat buying representatives to discuss a way forward.

They are confident of a positive outcome. Farmers' Union of Wales president, Gareth Vaughan, said feelings were running high among Welsh farmers because the MOD used their land to train yet failed to support Welsh agriculture in the most obvious way.

"We do appreciate that the problem stems from the fact that the Ministry contracts are based on the Government's 'best value' policy, which too often means that price is a limiting factor,'' he said.

"Nevertheless we are heartened by the outcome of our talks and welcome the fact that representatives are prepared to meet us again after they have explored a range of options discussed at the meeting.''

Pembrokeshire livestock producer Brian Ratcliffe said it was a move forward. "Any sales are welcome,'' he said.

He was concerned however that the MoD contracts were mainly for cheaper cuts of meat, which would have an overall impact on the value of livestock.