A delegation of farmers and food processing representatives travelled to Wales to see for themselves how beef and lamb produced the Welsh Way has garnered an enviable international reputation for farm-to-fork traceability.

The group, from Estonia on the shores of the Baltic Sea, toured the north of Wales visiting farms and retailers, and received a presentation on the value of the Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) accreditation enjoyed by Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).

The PGI system has been in place in Wales since 2002, for beef, and 2003, for lamb.

Originally awarded by the European Union and now recognised in both the EU and UK, the designation recognises the unique characteristics of beef and lamb produced in Wales, and the full traceability of the meat at each stage of processing.

During the course of their fact-finding tour, the Estonian delegation visited Rhug Estate in Denbighshire, as well as Ty’n Llwyfan near Conwy, home of TV presenter and farmer Gareth Wyn Jones.

HCC’s Market Development manager, Rhys Llywelyn, said:

“It was great to meet the farmers and processors from Estonia on their tour of Wales.

“The investment that the Welsh red meat sector has made in world-leading traceability has been vital.

"It’s been the cornerstone of the excellent reputation that we enjoy around the world, and I’m gratified that other countries are keen to learn and apply the lessons to their own production.”

Gareth Wyn Jones said:

“Thanks to our farm to fork traceability customers around the world know that if it’s Welsh Lamb or Welsh Beef they want, that’s what they’ll get.

“We were able to show them at first-hand how sheep and cattle are reared in Wales, with high standards of sustainability and welfare, and of course invite them back to the farmhouse to sample some Welsh Lamb.”