AN event aimed at farmers to discuss the impact of consumers cutting down on red meat is set to take place at Gelli Aur campus.

With people focusing more on the environmental impact of their food, farmers are faced with challenges to ensure profit whilst producing sustainable red meat.

In a bid to offer possible solutions, Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is hosting an event titled 'Innovative Farming for a Sustainable Future' where progressive farmers and young researcher will discuss the challenges, and HCC will give its response as it seeks to address key issues for the future.

The event will take place at Coleg Sir Gâr, Gelli Aur campus on Thursday, February 6 starting at 6.30pm, with guest speaker Carmarthenshire farmer, Aled Picton Evans who runs a beef rearing and finishing unit with a key focus on production on pasture. Aled has developed innovative ways of making the most of grassland on his farm, where he seeks to finish dairy beef cattle.

Also speaking at the event will be enthusiastic researcher Non Williams who is currently working on her PhD, ‘Optimised management of upland pasture for economic and environmental benefits’ at Bangor University under the supervision of Dr Prysor Williams and Dr James Gibbons. Last year, Non won the best poster prize at a Climate Change and Livestock Conference in London.

At the event HCC will also be discussing the vital issue of how new research can help the Welsh Lamb and Beef sector further to strengthen its story of sustainability.

The event will also highlight the work undertaken through the Red Meat Development Programme (RMDP) which is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Government Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Welsh Government.

For more information about the event, or to book a place, contact HCC on 01970 625050 or email info@hybucig.cymru.