NFU Cymru and The National Federation of Women's Institutes Wales are today joining forces. Together their members will use their consumer power to support the Welsh food industry by taking action to improve the promotion and labelling of Welsh red meat products.
Restaurant owners, chefs, supermarket managers – beware – if a WI member, or an NFU Cymru member doesn’t like what they see on your menu or within your store they will be asking to speak to you.
NFWI-Wales Chair, Ann Jones, said, “The decline in the red meat industry over recent years is a concern to both farmers and consumers. We have asked our members the length and breadth of Wales, in this our centenary year, to be vigilant when eating out and shopping both in store and online. We want to see Welsh produce prominently displayed and clearly labelled to support consumers in purchasing Welsh products both in retail outlets and in eating out establishments. Our main message to our members is if you are not happy with what you see then ask the store manager or restaurant owner about what you have seen and how it can be rectified.”
John Davies, NFU Cymru Deputy President said, “We are very grateful to the Women’s Institute in Wales for joining forces with us this summer in particular. Every sector within the Welsh farming industry is currently facing low prices as a result of volatility.
“We know responsibility for that doesn’t necessarily lie at the foot of the retailers or the food sector – but – these establishments are the shop window for our products and we want to make sure that at a time when Welsh farming is in the doldrums that retailers and the food service are promoting and clearly labelling Welsh produce."
WI members have been given a few pointers to follow when they are out shopping and eating during the months ahead. They are:
When you are purchasing beef or lamb products:
• Does Welsh beef and lamb get a fair share of the shelf space?
• Is it clearly labelled Welsh?
• Is it lost or mixed in amongst imported products?
When you are eating out:
• Does the menu contain locally sourced products, particularly red meat – and is the meat branded as Welsh?
• If you’re unsure of what is being offered on the menu ask where it comes from
John Davies added, “You don’t have to be a WI member or an NFU Cymru member to help with this campaign. If you see something and think ‘come on that could be done better’ or ‘wow that’s good’ when it comes to how Welsh food is promoted or labelled then send us your picture via twitter or facebook. On twitter use the hashtag: #BackWelshFarming and make sure you include @nfucymru and @womensinstitute so we can see it.”
