Farming News - NSA condemns negativity around UK red meat production

NSA condemns negativity around UK red meat production

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, accused Aldi of dropping support for British-produced lamb and beef. This was strongly denied by Aldi. An Aldi spokesperson said: “Aldi is a major supporter of British farming and we have committed to invest an additional £3.5bn a year with British suppliers by the end of 2025. This move aims to support customers during the cost-of-living crisis by offering affordable and in-season lamb all year round. British lamb will still be available at Aldi and the majority of lamb sold by Aldi will continue to be reared on British farms.”
 
Phil Stocker also commented on the" irresponsible suggestion by John Allan, Tesco Chair, that food producers are taking advantage of the poor in society by pushing up food costs. This air of negativity is not good for any part of the supply chain and reflects particularly poorly on retailers."
 
"Farmgate prices for lamb are currently under huge pressure, with GB prices down by 13% compared to the same week last year, at the same time as producers are dealing with extreme inflation of input costs across fuel, feed and fertiliser. Farmers at the beginning of the supply chain need support from everyone within it, to acknowledge that red meat is costing more to produce and get to market. We also need a showcase on every supermarket shelf for lamb and other products produced in the UK. To see one retailer imply that costs have been artificially inflated, and another remove its support for UK-produced product at this volatile time is extremely concerning."
 
NSA draws attention to the fact the UK has an ample supply of lamb at the current time, with a large carryover into this year, and that AHDB has forecast UK lamb production to be 8-9% higher than the previous year.
 
Mr Stocker continues: "NSA is proud to boast about the credentials of British lamb, which is one of the most sustainable products in the world with some of the highest welfare standards globally. It is therefore demoralising to see the blatant disregard some large retailers have for British produce.
 
"The agricultural industry is combating a period of extreme and unprecedented volatility within the marketplace, supply chains and input costs. Now is the time to champion British – and NSA applauds the retailers that are stepping up and doing the right thing."