Welsh farmers express frustrations over imported lamb in retailers

Farmers could supply lamb all year, a farming union meeting said
Farmers could supply lamb all year, a farming union meeting said

Welsh farmers have expressed concern at the level of Australian and New Zealand lamb in some retailer stores at a recent county meeting.

Farmers have said it is 'frustrating' to see imported lamb when Wales can supply home-reared produce all year round.

During the NFU Cymru meeting Colin Millichap, NFU Cymru County Chairman, said: “It is frustrating walking into some stores to be presented with heavily promoted imported lamb.

“Brecon and Radnor is one of the most densely livestock populated areas in the country and we firmly believe that home produced, quality PGI Welsh lamb should be given prominent shelf space and be readily available all year round.

“With a mixture of early and late lambing flocks across Wales there is a real potential to extend the season and have PGI Welsh lamb available in stores all year around.

“Some retailers are already sourcing lamb 100% from Wales and the UK and are showing their commitment to the industry, so it can be done.”

Proud

Mr Millichap said that farmers are proud of what they produce, and called for retailers to work with them so consumers can buy Welsh.

“Family farms in Brecon and Radnor, and throughout Wales, are adhering to strict legislation in order to deliver safe, high quality produce which is fully traceable.

“We are calling on retailers to work with the industry so consumers have the choice to buy Welsh lamb, because at the end of the day, it is a world-class product and deserves to be at the forefront of retailer displays.”

Despite the call for more retailers to buy Welsh and British, figures show imports of lamb into the United Kingdom are down substantially so far this year, helping to boost British producers.