MENTER MOCH CYMRU HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT ON PIG BUSINESSES IN WALES

The Menter Moch Cymru project, developed and run by Menter a Busnes, continues to have a strong rationale, is supporting job creating and demonstrating widespread positive impact on the pig sector in Wales. This was highlighted from the project’s mid-term evaluation.

The independent evaluation carried out by Brookdale Consulting included a thorough review of the project performance, focus group sessions and survey of Menter Moch Cymru beneficiaries, stakeholder consultations and impact assessment.

Menter Moch Cymru is funded by 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.

The evaluation found that the project has already exceeded targets in most areas at the Interim stage, with performance well ahead of forecasted. Also, that the Menter Moch Cymru project continued to have a strong rationale and good policy fit.

According to the report, “Pig keeping provides diversification opportunities that can help Welsh producers to improve their viability. This is particularly important as the UK’s exit from Europe sees the phasing out of direct subsidy payments to Welsh farmers. There is continued strong demand for pig meat products in Wales, particularly artisan/local products.”

Attendees of the focus groups highlighted many benefits of the project, which included training, networking, informal help and advice, access to other support, financial benefits from improved pig keeping, hand holding for new entrants, improving viability of farm enterprise and improving financial sustainability of local abattoir.

Brookdale Consulting also noted in their report that Menter Moch Cymru had increased the number of participants benefiting from support by 53% from its baseline. And at the time of the review, had delivered 102 events (the majority of which were free for businesses) with 512 participants across 397 businesses accumulating to over 4,412 hours of training.

“The evidence suggests that Menter Moch Cymru are running high quality events that are well received, of interest to producers and well attended. High proportions of those attending are intent on changing their business practices and expect the knowledge gained to have a positive impact on their business.”

Brookdale Consulting added:

“A survey of beneficiaries highlighted that 44% of businesses were established during the life of Menter Moch Cymru. This is unusual in a farming setting where most businesses are long standing and provides evidence of Menter Moch Cymru’s effect on creating new businesses.

Melanie Cargill Menter Moch Cymru Project Manager said: “The findings of this independent evaluation are very encouraging as it demonstrates the efforts of the team and Menter a Busnes on supporting and developing the pig sector in Wales but most important it clearly shows the wide-spread positive impact the project is having.

“The project works with all parts of the sector and it’s great to receive feedback from the whole industry, illustrating the project is clearly delivering its aim and helping businesses across Wales – both new and established.”

The project originally ran as a pilot until additional funding was secured to allow it to continue until December 2022. The final evaluation will take place at the end of the project.