Developing the Cambrian Mountains Beef group to manage and expand their short supply chain

Short food supply chains occur when farmers sell their produce directly to consumers or with a minimum of intermediaries. They are becoming increasingly more popular as consumers want fresh and seasonal produce but also want to know where their food comes from.  They represent an alternative to conventional longer food chains where small farmers often have little bargaining power and the consumer cannot trace the food to a known producer or local area.

In 2015, the Cambrian Mountains Beef Group established a successful, short supply chain with a large catering butcher who supplies hotels and high-end restaurants. The five farming businesses in the group have worked hard to get to this stage and would like to develop their group further in order to manage and expand their market in a self-sustainable manner. Through the project, the farmers will develop the skills and knowledge they need to sustain the short supply chain in the long term by taking part in a number of workshops that will look into the following areas:

• Customer relationship management
• Product promotion
• Understanding the requirements of the end user
• Red meat processing and butchery
• Effective engagement in the supply chain
• Managing social media
• Website management
• Invoicing, tax returns and administration

The group will then use the resources they have developed to manage their supply chain, approach and develop relationships with potential new customers, market their own produce and manage their own website. The project will encourage the next generation of primary producers to develop their business skills and encourage self-sufficiency.

Reports, Videos and Articles

Technical Publication, Issue 19 (January / February 2018): Developing the Cambr…

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020.