Northern Ireland Farmers Urge Supermarkets to Support Local Beef Sourcing

Strategic Insights -

Northern Ireland's farming sector is facing significant challenges, with beef and sheep numbers declining. In a call to action, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) deputy president, Glenn Cuddy, has urged supermarkets in Britain to commit to sourcing locally, rather than importing beef from Uruguay. This is crucial, as local farmers work to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards, and importing subpar products would put them at a disadvantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has expressed concern over the declining beef and sheep numbers in Northern Ireland, making it essential for local retailers to uphold their commitment to sourcing locally.
  • NI farmers have implemented various initiatives to improve sustainability, including the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the age of slaughter.
  • Clear, accurate labelling of country of origin is vital to inform consumers about the production of food available on supermarket shelves, which can then translate into direct support for NI farmers and environmental benefits.
  • Beef produced in Western Europe, and particularly the UK, emits less than half the greenhouse gases of the global average due to extensive grass-fed cattle and improved breeding and management.
  • Supporting local food production is key to Northern Ireland's food security, and the UFU is urging supermarkets to commit to local sourcing to help the agri-food industry grow and thrive.
  • Supermarkets need to remain committed to local sourcing to ensure that farms can remain profitable, support agri-food jobs, and strengthen rural communities.

Statistics:

  • Beef and sheep numbers are currently declining in Northern Ireland.
  • NI farmers work to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards.
  • The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme has lowered greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the age of slaughter.
  • Beef produced in Western Europe, and particularly the UK, emits less than half the greenhouse gases of the global average (specifically between 40-50g CO2e per unit of product).
  • 100% of local NI stores have committed to stocking nearly 100% NI beef and lamb, showing their support for local farmers.

Sources:

  • UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy
  • Farm Quality Assurance Scheme
  • ASDA supermarkets in Britain
  • Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme
  • Nutrient Action Plan proposals