Southland's Jeff Grant to help lead red meat sector's Brexit response

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association. have appointed a new leader to help the sector during Brexit. Photo / 123RF

Southland agribusiness leader Jeff Grant has been appointed to support the red meat sector's response to Brexit.

The London-based appointment has been made by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association.

Mr Grant will work closely with B+LNZ's Europe representative, the New Zealand Government and commercial interests to help strengthen the red meat sector's ties with the United Kingdom and safeguard New Zealand's exports to the key market.

"Jeff is highly experienced and has been involved in the red meat sector for over 25 years, so brings with him expertise and strategic skills that will be crucial over the next two years in dealing with the implications of Brexit,'' B+LNZ chairman Andrew Morrison said.

"As a sheep, beef and deer farmer himself with properties at Balfour and Otama Valley in Southland, Jeff understands the importance of trade to the sector,'' Mr Morrison said.

B+LNZ and MIA, with financial support from Agmardt, would jointly fund the additional resource.

MIA chairman John Loughlin said Brexit was one of the biggest challenges to face the sector in recent years and it was crucial New Zealand was "no worse off'' as a result of the change.