Newly-elected NFU president Minette Batters is calling on Brits to get behind Great British Beef Week, which returns in April.
The initiative, which returns for the eighth consecutive year during April 23-30, champions British beef and urges consumers to buy local.
Mrs Batters, who was elected as the NFU’s first female leader in 110 years, is a champion of British beef and a co-founder of Ladies in Beef – the driving force behind Great British Beef Week.
Ladies in Beef is a group of more than 150 female beef farmers who care passionately about what they do. Farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is supporting this year's campaign as charity partner.
The NFU President said she values British beef as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
“We first established Ladies in Beef to tell the story of British Red Tractor assured beef,” Mrs Batters said.
“As a mother and a consumer myself, I really value British beef as part of a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet, and appreciate the vital role livestock production plays in the management of our beautiful countryside. It’s these messages that I want to communicate to others.”
Thin cuts
This year’s Great British Beef Week campaign will focus on the benefits of eating thin cuts – which are readily available at most supermarkets and provide a quick and easy wholesome meal, ideal for midweek ease.
Jilly Greed, also a co-founder of Ladies in Beef, said that by buying British beef, the public will be "doing their bit" for the farming industry.
She said: “Thin cuts are a great way of shaking up midweek mealtimes. They’re robust in flavour and you can cook them in minutes. They’re lean and an underrated source of protein and iron, as well as eight essential vitamins and minerals.”
“As professional beef farmers, we know the work that goes into producing the very best British beef. But as shoppers and mums, we also know how challenging it can be to provide healthy and nutritious meals, seven days a week.”
RABI CEO Paul Burrows said: “If everyone bought just 10% more British food every week it would greatly transform British agriculture and farmers’ lives.”
