Lamb Scheme

The vision for Wales Lamb Scheme project is to support and encourage young people to remain within the farming industry and to offer a stepping for those trying to establish themselves as a supplier of Welsh Lamb. The initiative gives young farmers the opportunity to be part of an innovative programme of training events designed to meet the needs of the members. Training to date has included live to dead grading of lambs, farm visits to encourage and share methods of best practice, a walk the chain day from the abattoir, butchery, packing distribution right through to the supermarket. The training and development opportunities offered to members have helped those involved become more knowledgeable, efficient, skilled and reactive to what the market requires.  This support assists in young people taking their businesses forward and helps ensure a vibrant and successful future of farming in rural Wales.

The project works in partnership between Dunbia, one of the UK's leading processors and one of the UK's largest supermarkets, Sainsbury's.  The project allows members of the organisation the unique opportunity to supply Welsh lamb to the Sainsbury's stores within Wales, 52 weeks an year. All members participating in the Wales YFC Lamb Scheme also support Wales YFC as for every Lamb sold through the scheme, Wales YFC receives 40p/head from Dunbia.


The Rural Youth Europe judges were impressed with the multi-facted approach and vision of the project. Not only does the project bring tangible benefits to members through innovative training and practical insight into the Welsh lamb industry but it also aims to promote local agriculture and change public attitudes towards local Welsh products. A young person from Wales Young Farmers came up with the idea and young people are involved in the planning and implementation of the project. The judges also appreciated the clear benefits for local communities in Wales and that the project is sustainable in both the short and long-term.


Wales Young Farmers will be presented with the Rural Youth Project traveling trophy at the next Rally in Slovenia.

Attachments:

Wales - Lamb scheme.doc

Wales lamb scheme - Press release.doc