image expired

NFU President Minette Batters has pledged her support and highlighted the importance of Britain’s beef sector at the start of the Great British Beef Week.

Great British Beef Week (GBBW) is an annual event which takes place around St George’s Day (23 April) each year, to raise awareness of the quality and versatility of assured British beef and give the industry a much-needed boost.

Organised by Ladies in Beef (pictured), Great British Beef Week puts the spotlight firmly on the fantastic food that British beef farmers produce. In addition, it raises vital funds for those in need in the farming industry by partnering with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.).

Shoppers are being reminded of the NFU’s online sourcing guide as the best way to find out who is backing British livestock farmers.

Beef Week is designed to raise awareness of the quality and versatility of great British beef.This year the emphasis is on ‘beefing up your butty’, a cheeky celebration of sandwiches of which over 5.7 billion are eaten every year

The NFU shopping guide lists the sourcing policies of all the major retailers on their ‘own brand’ products. It shows The Co-operative, Aldi, Lidl, M&S, Waitrose and Morrisons source 100% British beef across all lines while Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s only source 100% British for their premium lines of beef. In addition to the sourcing guide we are aware that, The Co-operative, M&S and Waitrose ensure that beef across all products, including ready meals, is 100% British.

In a video address, Mrs Batters talks about the importance of Red Tractor and transparency in the supply chain. She said she wants British farmers to be the number one supplier to the public and to grow demand for British food across the world.

“I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the Ladies in Beef and the Great British Beef Week. There has never been a more important time to reach out to our consumer and really showcase what British beef is all about.

“It’s not just the eating quality but the versatility, the nutritional value, the vital part it plays as part of a healthy balanced diet. But just as much the role it plays in shaping our beautiful, iconic countryside.”.

In her video address, Mrs Batters talks about the importance of Red Tractor and transparency in the supply chain. She said she wants British farmers to be the number one supplier to the public and to grow demand for British food across the world.

“I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the Ladies in Beef and the Great British Beef Week. There has never been a more important time to reach out to our consumer and really showcase what British beef is all about.

“It’s not just the eating quality but the versatility, the nutritional value, the vital part it plays as part of a healthy balanced diet. But just as much the role it plays in shaping our beautiful, iconic countryside.”

Charles Sercombe, NFU livestock board chairman, said: “I’m delighted that we see the return of this annual event to promote British beef at a time when we’re seeing significant challenges for the sector as £m’s are being wiped off the value of the payment grids leaving many producers questioning the viability of the industry.

“We need initiatives like Great British Beef Week to raise awareness among shoppers of great British beef and to re-engage with consumers who continue to call for greater provenance and clearer labelling of the origin of the product.”

A full list of GBBW events can be viewed here.