THE Director General of the Meat and Livestock Commission announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Gwyn Howells said it was time to move on.

"The MLC going forward will be a different organisation from the one I was appointed to run, with far less scope for the kind of marketing that best suits my skills and I need to find a new challenge," he said. "I remain a great supporter of the industry, the MLC and all its staff, and I wish them well.

Mr Howells will leave the MLC at the end of October to help ensure a smooth transition.

Peter Barr, chairman, said Mr Howells was an ardent supporter of the British red meat industry. "He will always be recognised for his award winning Recipe for Love marketing campaign," he said. "Over the last ten years he has played a crucial part in restoring the image of red meat, not least in the aftermath of BSE."

Mr Howells had managed the MLC through a period of change and prepared it for devolution. "We are grateful for all his commitment and enthusiasm. He has made a real difference," said Mr Barr.

Mr Howells' resignation came at the same time as the Government appointed a new team of 11 MLC commissioners, effective from October 1.

Under the leadership of Mr Barr, the team will oversee the final changes to devolve spending power and responsibility to England, Scotland and Wales from April 1, 2003. It will also ensure the continued delivery of the pig industry's agenda on a British basis.

The acting director general will be Kevin Roberts, current commercial services and finance director