Meat bosses have started to develop a strategy for the future of the industry.
Members of the English Beef and Lamb Executive met last week to discuss short, medium and long-term issues.
Chairman John Cross said: "Nobody is under any illusions that we have major tasks ahead of us and strategies to tackle these are being urgently developed."
EBLEX's next meeting will be held on March 11 when the strategy will be finalised.
David Raine, a sheep farmer and former chairman of the MLC's Sheep Strategy Council, has been elected vice-chairman.

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