Beef price collapse fear as OTM scheme nears end.

NERVOUSNESS among beef producers at the imminent ending of the Over Thirty Month Scheme was relayed to politicians this week as farmers met twice at Mold livestock market to convey their fears of a price collapse when the OTMS ends on January 22. The meetings, organised by the Farmers' Union of Wales, were told of the need to resume exports as soon as possible.

But with the EC unlikely to lift the export ban until March at the earliest, up to 3,000 additional tons of mature beef is predicted to flood the UK market and farmers feel politicians haven't grasped the seriousness of the problem.

FUW Flintshire chairman John Worthington said: "Until exports resume, we believe the OTMS should continue."

The meetings were attended by David Hanson MP, Glyn Davies AM and Brynle Williams AM. All three pledged to step up lobbying efforts.

Farmers also voiced fears their industry would be sidelined as the countryside committee grapples with issues such as affordable housing and climate change, but Mr Davies, the committee's chairman, said farming would remain an Assembly priority.

CAPTION(S):

Glyn Davies AM talks to farmers at Mold livestock market with Brynle Williams AM (right) and John Worthington, chairman of the Flintshire branch of the Farmers' Union of Wales Picture: MIKE DEAN