Talks between farmers and Tesco over reducing the amount of New Zealand lamb on its shelves have broken down, according to Farmers for Action, and could lead to further protests.
Farmers for Action said the retailer refused to hand over figures on imports of NZ lamb which was requested at a recent join meeting with NFU, FFA and North Wales sheep representatives.
The farmers were demanding a reduction in the amount of imported NZ lamb by up to 50%.
Today's meeting was arranged following a meeting last week to discuss how British sheep farmers could forge closer relationships with Tesco and also to discuss the serious issue of volume imports of NZ lamb.
Over recent weeks FFA have met with a number of retailers on the above issue and we feel we have made a great deal of progress within the lamb market with retailers such as Asda, the Co-op and others.
FFA Chairman David Handley, said: "So it is with great disappointment that again Tesco, who state they are the biggest supporter of British farmers, are not prepared to even discuss changing the British sheep farming industry so that it becomes profitable for all parties involved in this industry and the supply chain."
"The breakdown completely surrounds displacing NZ lamb for British and the fact that Tesco will not commit to importing less and allowing British sheep farmers to replace that product."
"It disappoints FFA greatly that these talks have broken down.
"We have tried through all channels to reach a successful conclusion that would not only benefit British sheep farmers but would help Tesco on its road to recovery.
"We will continually keep working with all others in the lamb supply chain who are willing to put their money where their mouth is for the benefit of this sector. What we will not have is our industry run by dictators."
"It disappoints FFA greatly that these talks have broken down. We have tried through all channels to reach a successful conclusion that would not only benefit British sheep farmers but would help Tesco on its road to recovery. We will continually keep working with all others in the lamb supply chain who are willing to put their money where their mouth is for the benefit of this sector.
"What we will not have is our industry run by dictators."
