cows stood in field

Meat South West appoints new chairman

Ed GreenFifth-generation Somerset beef farmer Ed Green has been appointed chairman of strategic advisory body Meat South West (MSW).

He was elected to the role after former chairman Peter Baber chose to step down, having been in the post for three years. Peter will, however, continue as an MSW board member.

Ed runs 1,200 cattle on the 800-acre family beef and arable farm near Shepton Mallet. He has been on the MSW board since 2011 and also currently holds a position on the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trustee Board.

In 2012, he completed a Nuffield Scholarship studying global beef supply and demand. He is also the founder of newly-launched Farmer Green Auctions, an online livestock auction business. Ed will be supported in his new role by Rob Venner, Somerset livestock auctioneer, who remains as vice-chair.

Ed said: “Peter has done a fantastic job during his tenure as MSW chairman, not least securing Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for West Country beef and West Country Lamb last year. I’m looking forward to taking up the reigns to help producers in the region maximise the opportunities offered by this and meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

Peter said: “It has been a decade of hard work for Meat South West and I’m proud of what we have achieved in that time, culminating in gaining PGI status in this last year.  I have no doubt that Ed will continue to drive MSW forwards.”

MSW is a strategic advisory body which liaises with the industry and government on the priorities and needs of a profitable and productive regional meat and livestock sector. The board represents the whole supply chain, from farm to fork, and is committed to the success of the sector.