FQAS inspections deferred due to Covid-19
Following an emergency meeting of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) Industry Board all face to face farm inspections have been deferred due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Speaking following the announcement, LMC chief executive and FQAS Board chairman Ian Stevenson said: “Given the exceptional circumstances and acting on the advice of government on social distancing measures the FQAS...
LMC celebrates 30th anniversary of ‘gold standard’ scheme
The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) has acknowledged the 30th anniversary of the inception of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBL FQAS). The scheme acts as a ‘gold standard’ guarantee to ensure local beef and lamb is produced to the highest possible standard. LMC chief executive officer, Ian Stevenson, said: “Northern Ireland was to the fore in developing a beef and lamb...
Board changes at ABP Food Group
ABP Food Group has appointed three new non-executive directors to its board. Ron Bolger, Laurence P. Goodman, John Jackson and Philip Morgan are to retire. John Moloney joins the board as director and chairman designate. He has over 33-years experience in the food and agribusiness sector. He is currently a non-executive director of DCC plc, where he is chairman and of Smurfit Kappa Group plc. He has also served a seven year term as a...
Agriculture bill should restrict lower animal welfare imports, urges RSPCA
Helping UK farmers to reach higher welfare standards must go hand in hand with restricting imports on farm animal products produced to what the RSPCA refers to as lower welfare standards. The animal charity was giving evidence at the Agriculture Bill Committee against the prospect of trade deals allowing food imports which would be illegal to produce in the UK David Bowles, assistant director of public affairs at the RSPCA, said...
Consumers will pay more for sustainable beef, study finds
Consumers in the UK are willing to pay more for healthier and more sustainable beef mince than those in Spain, a new study by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College has found. However, customers in both countries were willing to pay a higher premium for mince with a low fat content, and also placed a higher value on products labelled local or national over those marked organic. In both countries, consumers were willing to pay a price...
HCC highlight factors behind bumper 2019 for lamb and beef production
Market analysis by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has revealed that lamb and beef production increased throughout the UK in 2019. The analysis shows that total UK sheepmeat production in 2019 stood at 307,500 tonnes, 6.4% higher than last year, due to a 3% increase in the number of animals slaughtered to a total of 14.9 million, combined with heavier carcase weights. Wales accounted for around 30% of the UK flock, but the...
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