The sector warned that Welsh red meat exports could be “at risk” if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in October.

Trading patterns in the red meat sector mean that the “chaotic Brexit” at the end of October will be “the worst possible time frame”.

Data from Hybu Cig Cymru, the Welsh meat promoter (HCC), shows that exports to Europe, in particular Welsh lamb, peaked in late autumn.

Consequently, the violation caused by the sudden introduction of tariffs at the WTO level, which ranges from 40% to 90% for mutton and beef, will lead to an “immediate serious violation” for farmers and food processing companies in Wales, the agency warned.

“Our message has been clear for many months, namely: the red meat sector has great potential to stimulate exports to the Welsh food and beverage industry, but all this could be jeopardized by a difficult exit (from the EU),” said the Executive Director HCC Gwyn Howells.

“The potential impact of promiscuous Brexit in October could be disastrous. This is exactly the time when a lot of lambs come to the market, especially from the mining sector, ”warned Gwyn Howells.