A DISCREPANCY in the categorisation of cattle, which means some Welsh farmers could be losing business, is to be investigated by a Pembrokeshire MP.

Wales Office minister Stephen Crabb is set to look into a bureaucratic issue affecting the sale of Welsh Black cattle in England. Welsh Blacks are classed as an endangered native species in Wales, but not in England, meaning pedigree stock has less value across the border and English farmers participating in the English Countryside Stewardship scheme are preventef from purchasing the animals from Welsh farms.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: “The Welsh Black is a fine example of Welsh quality produce. There should not be any bureaucratic or policy reasons why it should not be able to be traded in England on an equal basis. I will look into the matter urgently with my colleagues from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.”

Mr Crabb was responding to a question raised by Elfyn Llwyd, who highlighted the discrepancy after one of his constituents lost out on a valuable sale because the customer farmed in Derbyshire.

Mr Llwyd said: "Welsh Black breeders in Wales work tirelessly to produce world-class herds. This matter must be addressed immediately so that the prospect of trading with Welsh farmers isn't made any less attractive by a technical obstacle like this.”