Strengthening the red meat supply chain
23/11/05

Retailers should be more involved in improving things for livestock farmers. This was the major conclusion from a survey carried out by the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF).

The interactive survey was conducted at the RMIF conference held in London earlier this month (Nov), attended by 400 producers, meat processors, retailers, industry organisations and civil servants.

Almost two-thirds of producers 'strongly agreed' the ball was in the retailers' court for improvements across the industry; although the majority of retailers present were also in agreement, only a quarter 'strongly agreed'.

There was also a call from farmers for retailers to play a bigger role in supply chain activity to support producers with nearly 60 per cent strongly agreeing.

However, there was also good overall audience support for the view that whole chain initiatives will provide the biggest opportunity for improving returns for all parts of the industry.

RMIF Chairman, Peter Barr said "I am delighted that the Conference has given a thumbs up to the priorities of the RMIF as we move forward. Our work is clearly demonstrating that whole chain initiatives can be a powerful means of helping livestock producers"

* The audience of 400 comprised: producers, 29%; processors or trade organisations, 16%; retail or foodservice, 7%; Government or statutory body, 17%; allied industry or consultant; 16%, university, training organisation or student, 8%; other 7%

About the RMIF

"The RMIF is determined to help the British red meat industry recapture - and maintain - a leading position in the market place.
 
The RMIF believes that the spotlight must fall on red meat businesses in their entirety, not just on individual producers, in order to enable whole supply chains to achieve world-class status - and to provide an outstanding example of efficiency and quality with continuous business improvement.
 
Crucial to achieving these industry-wide benefits is the inclusion of the entire supply chain."

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