The topography and climate of Wales dictate that there is no realistic alternative to livestock production; sheep rearing is a virtual necessity. The output value of the Welsh sheep industry, with approximately 5.5 million breeding ewes, is well in excess of £200 million.

Welsh Lamb Enterprise (WLE) was established in 1982 by a group of lamb producers in Wales who recognized the importance of efficient promotion and marketing. In 1985, WLE launched a Quality Assurance Scheme to identify Premium Quality Welsh Lamb, and to ensure a regular supply of Welsh lamb that was guaranteed to be of a consistently high specification. In setting up the scheme, there was close co-operation with Food From Britain to ensure that it had a meaningful standard.

All participating abattoirs have to comply with strict regulations and undergo rigid independent inspections. Only lean carcasses of the highest quality are given the stamp of approval. Under WLE specifications, Premium Quality Welsh lambs must not be above fat class 3L and have conformation levels of E, U and R. Certified carcasses are clearly identified, and retail packs of fresh, chilled meat must carry a ‘use by’ date and full instructions for domestic storage. A network of wholesalers has been established so that orders for Premium Quality Welsh Lamb may be processed rapidly for immediate delivery anywhere in England and Wales.

During its first year of operation, approximately 67 000 lambs were accepted into the Quality Assurance Scheme; currently, the number is closer to 500 000.