B+LNZ and MIA appoint Brexit representative in London
Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association have appointed Jeff Grant to support the red meat sector’s
response to Brexit.
Mr Grant, who will be based in London, 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.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chairman Andrew Morrison says: “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 cr ucial over the next two
years in dealing with the implications of Brexit.
“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."
B+LNZ and MIA, with financial support from AGMARDT, will jointly fund the additional resource.
Meat Industry Association Chairman John Loughlin says: “Brexit is one of the biggest challenges to face the sector in
recent years and it is crucial New Zealand is no worse off as a result of the change.
“Jeff will play a crucial role in the overall NZ Inc effort to build and maintain our relationships in the UK, secure
our national interests and dispel the misconceptions about our sector and exports.”
Jeff has had a number of different roles over the years including being elected as a Member of Parliament in 1987 where
he served two terms including the role of Senior Whip in the National Government from 1990 until 1993 when he retired.
Since 1994, Jeff has been predominantly involved as a Director or Trustee of organisations and companies including
Landcorp, Wrightson, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. He has also been Chairman of ten organisations including Meat and Wool
NZ (2003-2007), the New Zealand Meat Board (2000-2007), the Meat Research and Development Council, AGMARDT, Invest South
and Wool Partners Co-op.
Most recently he has been Chairman of AgResearch, Mount Linton Station, OSPRI, Milford Sound Tourism, Southland Shared
Services and a Director of SBS Bank, Finance Now Ltd, NZ Young Farmers, and Predator Free 2050 Ltd.
Jeff will be active in the role from around mid-year and will work closely with Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional
Manager, Ben O’Brien, who is based in Brussels.