MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK Defence catering target Falklands' meat

Falkland Islands' meat has been under scrutiny - with encouraging results. A team comprising military and civilian personnel from the British Ministry of Defence and its catering suppliers, 3663, visited the Falkland Islands last week to, “...take a look at Falkland Islands sheep meat from ?Farm to Fork'.”

Their short visit began with a trip to Goose Green where they met Owen Summers who briefed them on the Falkland Landholdings' way of farming. At Goose Green they also met the Manager, Brian Aldridge and Keith Alazia and Ben Bernsten who were in the process of grading sheep for the abattoir at the time of the visit.

From Goose Green they travelled to Fitzroy where Alan Eagle explained the breeding schedule to develop flocks for expanding meat breeds.

Whilst at Fitzroy they also saw the agricultural development, and met Sonia Eagle who amazed the UK visitors with the unexpected spectacle of her beautiful flower gardens.

Falkland Islands Development Corporation Marketing Manger, Connie Stevens said, "As the main thrust of the visit was to see our meat industry first hand, meetings were also held with the Agricultural Department and with Steve Pointing Senior Veterinary Officer and John Longstreeth, the Official Veterinary Surgeon at Sand Bay for the export season."

The party next went on to view the activities of the Falkland Islands Meat Company at Sand Bay for a more formal tour and were introduced to the staff who demonstrated the standard abattoir procedures. John Ferguson, Plant and Livestock Procurement Manager and Ralph Brown, Production Manager gave the group a full tour of the plant during the normal production process.

Adam Cox, buyer from Angliss UK Ltd, said, "This is a cracking little plant, and for an abattoir only in its second export season, the Falklands are clearly making a mark on meat production and export."

He also noted that it was, "...good to see the ?joined up' approach to the meat industry", which was evident from discussions with the farmers and other individuals the group met during their visit.

Mrs Stevens said Angliss UK bought the entire production from the first season's export and were pleased to note the improvements that have been made in the labelling and packaging department.

The final product - mutton and lamb - was sampled during the visit to Stanley, and received positive comments.

Mrs Stevens said, "Angliss again remarked on a noticeable improvement in the meat quality this year. John Longstreeth, OVS, pointed out the differences in our stunning procedures this year, which has also contributed to an improved quality of meat."

Packing as much into their visit as possible, the Falkland Islands' capability to supply fresh food and produce was showcased as the group also visited Stanley Growers and Falklands Fresh, as these two companies currently supply MPA direct with local produce.

Meetings were also arranged with all the fishing companies, collectively and individually, as Angliss are also commercial buyers of fish on a world-wide scale.

Mrs Stevens commented, "All in all the Defence catering Team received a comprehensive tour of the Falkland Islands' capabilities to supply fresh and frozen produce." The visit to the Islands was organised by Mrs Stevens, who said she would like to thank all participants in this visit for their time and co-operation in demonstrating the capabilities of the Falkland Islands.

Looking back on the visit she said, "We have some great food products available in the Falklands, and it was a real pleasure being able to display that fact to this group of buyers. They have left the islands with a clearer picture of our ability to deliver product to a professional standard."

Source: Penguin News.-