MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland's wool “is very much a secret”

The Falkland Islands' traditional production was very much in the news this month according to the latest Penguin News edition.
A report from the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) indicates that the Islands wool characteristics are not fully reflected in market prices; a Beef Day was organized to address the growing industry's challenges and a paper before the Development Corporation Board informs of delays in the export season.

During a recent visit to the United Kingdom FI Development Board Manager Julian Morris was informed by the senior management of BWMB that they do not believe Falklands wool is achieving market prices for its characteristics, and that it does not exist in the world wool market "...it is kept very much a secret." Further comments were that merchants currently dealing with Falklands' wool have little interest in developing it; "they don't have the resources or financial alignment to do so." A member of the board said that Falklands' wool has a good reputation as "wool for blending" however the problem is that although it is sold as Falklands' wool the identity is lost once blended. A paper before the board recommended that Falklands' wool should be exposed to the market to add value and Mr. Morris suggested the issue should be followed up with the Department of Agriculture.

Beef Day

Thirty farmers, retailers and others with an interest in Falklands' beef supply met last week in Stanley to discuss the issues and challenges they face and it was agreed that a better coordination was needed to improve the current problems with supply. The Beef Day was arranged by the Development Corporation (FIDC) to bring together as many people as possible involved in beef production. Farmers from the East, West, and the Islands, along with several Stanley retailers, contributed to a day of lively debate. An FIDC survey carried out earlier this month in preparation for the day was returned by farmers holding 60% of the Islands' beef of which more than 90% agree that there is a problem with the supply of beef to local consumers. Workshop participants agreed that consumers need more consistent quality and want to be able to buy beef all year round. Several retailers told the producers present that they would be able to sell more beef if it was provided regularly and was always of a high quality. Participants felt that an unbiased processor or wholesaler would iron out inconsistencies in quality and supply for consumers, as well as making it easier for farmers to get their meat to market. The most likely candidate to fill the gap at this point in time was thought to be the Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCo) because it already has the infrastructure in place to move animals around the Islands and to chill meat directly after processing. The Sand Bay abattoir does not currently process beef on a regular basis, but board members are expected to consider whether this might be done in future.

Export season delays

Finally, according to a paper put before FIDC Board FIMCo has experienced a few delays throughout its export season to date. In week seven of the 16 week planned export season, Falklands Landholdings (FLH) notified FIMCo that they would not supply sheep that week and were revising numbers down for the rest of the season below 2004 levels. This cost FIMCo an additional £20,000. At the beginning of week 11 Tamar FI experienced a breakdown when it was due to move sheep from the West. Despite the best efforts of all involved, production was down by 120 sheep. The board heard that the position in week 12 is even more serious with much lower volumes, including some days where there is no production forecast. The financial forecast has been reviewed and the government has been put on notice that FIMCo might need additional assistance to cover unforeseen eventualities. Chairman of the Board, Councillor Mike Summers said there are "lots of issues" around FIMCo and always will be, and "FIMCo is only in its third year, it is still young," adding, "...farmers are beginning to change systems and there is still a lot to achieve.