Strengths:

• Region produces breeding stock of recognised high quality

Weaknesses:

• Best stock goes out of Region for finishing, quality of stock finished within the region is lower
• Insufficient processing capacity that meets the needs of value added and organic production
• Lack of capacity to compete in the global market place on equal terms
• Very fragmented and dispersed supply chain leading to poor information flows and inadequate product development
• Lack of transparency across the supply chain
• Rapid change in a sector where producers can lack the capacity to respond

Opportunities:

• Branding opportunities through association of product with maintenance of a “traditional” attractive countryside

Risks and Threats:

• Impacts of Mid Term Review and CAP reform (but also an opportunity)
• A difference in what is needed by producers and what is wanted by producers in terms of support and advice
• Further market saturation from the lifting of the 30 month rule