The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for consistent action on sourcing commitments in UK supermarkets.
NFU highlighted that in recent weeks, it had become aware of beef from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand being stocked on shelves in three supermarkets, namely Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
The Union said that the shift in sourcing commitments had come at a time when British farmers were already facing challenges amid concerns over recent trade deals.
NFU livestock board chair David Barton commented: “It’s deeply concerning to see major retailers now move away from their previous commitments to sourcing British in the last few weeks in favour of imports, many of which have been produced to lower standards. Farmers’ long-standing partnerships with retailers have supported sustainable supply chains, so this shift is alarming.
“Over the past year, the industry has heard warm words from almost every major retailer pledging support for British farmers. But these words ring hollow when British produce is not given pride of place on shelves.”
“Long-term sourcing commitments from retailers are essential to ensuring that the high welfare British food consumers want remains available.”
David Barton, NFU
Barton continued: “Decisions to renege on sourcing commitments erode trust and damage farmer confidence at a time when the sector is facing immense challenges, and with increased global insecurity, the need to build sustainable food supply chains has never been more important.
“British farmers have invested in higher standards such as reducing antibiotic use in beef and lowering poultry stocking densities in sheds. Consumers want these high-quality production systems, shown by over one million people signing our petition for import standards to match the UK’s.
“But delivering these standards comes with additional financial costs. Long-term sourcing commitments from retailers are essential to ensuring that the high welfare British food consumers want remains available.”
