Winter worries grow for farmers as customers urged to back British produce

The the impact will vary from one region to another, said the organisation, but added that the availability and quality of forage, bedding and catch crops is starting to creep into the minds of livestock producers.

It is set to reach a “crunch point”, warned the NSA, and members need to start planning for what could be a long winter – and the wider supply chain to support our farmers.

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of consumers being able to access high quality, affordable British food that is also beneficial to our countryside and farming communities.

"Sheep and goat meat imports from New Zealand to the EU jumped by 18 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2023, according to new figures. NSA is keen to see retailers across the board, along with government, champion British food.

“British lamb needs the support of our government and supply chains in ensuring our product maintains domestic market share in light of recent free trade agreements.

“We potentially have a mountain to climb this winter. The agricultural industry is combating a period of extreme and unprecedented volatility within the marketplace, supply chains and input costs – so now is the time to champion British.”

Meanwhile, the farmer representative body has said that it is enthused by emerging export markets for British lamb across the globe – and supportive of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (ADHB) activity to help exporters exploit opportunities, including a trade mission to Kuwait next month.

AHDB identifies the Middle-East and North Africa as providing significant opportunity for the UK, as the region’s population is growing quickly, as are the number of people with more disposable income, and particularly highlights the significant of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional trading bloc made up of Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Last month, the AHDB hosted a group of international buyers from Asia (Taiwan, Philippines, Middle East), Americas (Mexico, US, Canada and Dom Republic) for a week, with one day including a visit to the Great Yorkshire Show where livestock was showcased and there was opportunity to meet with NFU and trade bodies.

Mr Stocker added: “The EU remains our nearest and biggest export market, but the UK is a global exporter and, as such, it’s vital we keep track of where new opportunities are and how to make the most of them.

"This is exciting work by AHDB and highlights just how valuable our product is to the rest of the world. UK farmers can be proud of the high quality produce they grow under world leading sustainable methods.”