THE FARMER’S UNION OF WALES has responded to reports of a confirmed case of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in Germany.

The disease was identified on 10 January in a water buffalo on a farm in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg, marking Germany’s first case of FMD in nearly 40 years.

Foot and Mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.

In response, the UK Government has implemented a ban on the import of cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany. Additional measures include the suspension of import health certificates for live animals and fresh meat from species susceptible to Foot and Mouth disease.

Commenting on the development, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“The recent case of Foot and Mouth disease in Germany will be a source of concern for livestock farmers across Europe.

The news inevitably brings back memories of the devastating impact the disease had on the agriculture sector and the countryside in 2001. This serves as a timely reminder of the importance of stringent border checks to prevent such diseases from entering the UK.

We welcome the proactive steps taken by the German authorities and the UK Government’s decision to ban livestock imports from Germany. As the situation unfolds, we will closely monitor developments and encourage livestock keepers to remain vigilant.”

AFTER an extensive recruitment process, José Peralta has been named the new Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the red meat levy body.

José brings over 25 years of experience in the UK meat industry, having held senior leadership roles across several prominent companies. Notably, he served as Managing Director of the UK’s second-largest red meat business under the ownership of Grampian Country Food Group, Vion, and 2 Sisters Food Group. During his tenure, the organisation achieved annual sales exceeding £500 million, employed over 3,000 staff, and operated six processing plants across the UK, making it a significant seller of Welsh beef and lamb domestically and internationally until 2016.

Following this, José became Managing Director of Tulip Food Company, overseeing eight processing sites and generating over £500 million in annual sales of pork-based products. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the development of the Pembrokeshire Creamery milk bottling plant.

HCC Chair Welcomes New Leadership

Commenting on the appointment, HCC Chair Catherine Smith said: “The Hybu Cig Cymru Board is delighted to welcome José Peralta as our new Chief Executive. His exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in the red meat industry make him the ideal candidate to guide HCC into its next phase of development within an evolving and dynamic sector.

“This is an exciting time for HCC as we continue to grow and strengthen our renowned brands, PGI Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef. With the finalisation of our current five-year business plan and the shaping of our strategic vision for 2026 and beyond, our focus is on creating a roadmap that supports the sustainable growth of the industry as a vital part of the Welsh agri-food economy.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Heather Anstey-Myers, who has served as Interim Chief Executive over the past year, for her dedication and hard work.”

Government Endorsement

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, praised the appointment: “I am pleased that José Peralta is taking on this important role. His extensive track record in the red meat industry will be invaluable in advancing the organisation and ensuring it delivers the best outcomes for levy payers and the broader agri-food sector. Hybu Cig Cymru plays a crucial role in working with the Welsh Government and stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for farmers across Wales.”

CEO’s Vision for the Future

José Peralta expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating: “I am honoured to join Hybu Cig Cymru and look forward to collaborating with the HCC team to champion the development and promotion of the Welsh red meat industry on behalf of our levy payers.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will engage with levy payers and industry partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership, ensuring maximum returns for both levy payers and the wider industry.”

José Peralta is set to assume his position on 20 January 2025.

AS 2025 kicks off, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) will once again be hosting hearty breakfast events across Wales this January to bring people together, and raise money towards a good causes.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and it is a great opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy a plate of premium produce whilst sharing their thoughts before starting a busy day.

The breakfasts form part of the FUW’s annual Farmhouse breakfast week, a stalwart of the Welsh agricultural calendar, which will see 24 breakfast events held across Wales this January.

The week will also mark two milestones for the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as it celebrates seventy years since its formation in 1955, and fifteen years since the county breakfast events were first trialled in Caernarfonshire in 2010.

The week will see the breakfasts dotted across Wales in farmhouses, village halls, cafes and livestock markets, as well as an event in Cardiff Bay, bringing together politicians and policy makers. The event, kindly sponsored by Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Jane Dodds MS, will also see a speech from Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca Davies MS.

Proceeds from the breakfasts will be donated towards the Wales Air Ambulance and other local charities. Last year’s FUW Farmhouse breakfast week raised over £17,500 towards the Wales Air Ambulance.

The FUW breakfasts are also an opportunity to promote and showcase the quality premium local produce that farmers grow in a sustainable way and throughout breakfast week the FUW will shine a spotlight on the importance of our rural economy.

Commenting ahead of the FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week, President Ian Rickman said: “From Llangefni to Llanarthne, the farmhouse breakfast week is one of the highlights of the year, providing an opportunity to start the day together with family, friends and neighbours, in a positive way and at the same time raise money towards our charitable causes.

This year’s breakfast week will be even more special, with the FUW celebrating 70 years since its foundation in 1955. A lot has changed over the past seventy years, agriculturally, socially and politically, but the FUW’s commitment to our family farms and rural communities remains unwavering.

All of us are looking forward to yet another good turnout. It’s fair to say that a healthy start is not just good for a healthy heart but also for a healthy mind.”

Guto Bebb, FUW Group Chief Executive added: “With short days, bleak weather and plenty to do on the farmyard, January can often be a tough time for many farmers. The FUW Breakfast week offers a welcome opportunity to come together over a warm, nutritious meal and have a chat and catch-up.

At what is a difficult time for the sector, we particularly look forward to the event in Cardiff again this year – ensuring politicians and policy makers hear the needs and asks of the Welsh agricultural sector.”

For a full list of the FUW breakfast events visit their website (www.fuw.org.uk/news) or call 01970 820 820.