RDI acted as Project Manager and banker to the Red Meat Industry Forum's Red Meat Export project.
The Red Meat Industry Task Group was set up in 2005 as part of the North East Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy. The group is responsible for driving forward an agreed action plan designed to add or retain value for the livestock sector within the region, research export opportunities, stimulate integration of the red meat supply chain and improve efficiencies within livestock production and the supply chain.
RDI were approached by the Task Group to act as project managers for their Defra-funded research project which was to prepare producers in the Region for the lifting of the Export Ban. Acting as funding applicant, project manager and accountable body, RDI provided a range of services to the group and their specialist consultant over a 6 month period. This included making travel arrangements, co-ordinating meetings and communications and acting as project banker.
The project has been successful in creating relationships in Sweden and Germany that are now enabling the export of beef and lamb from the North East Region to these higher value markets. The project has effectively re-established competition for beef and lamb, driving up the prices paid to producers for the better of farmers and consequently the rural economy.
The final report is available on request, please contact the North East office.
