Fears sheep farmers are weighing up their futures over prices

In recent days, thousands of French farmers caused gridlock in northwestern France as they made a stand against the low prices they are receiving for their produce, and some farmers here are willing to take similar militant action, the NSA said.

Yet of far greater and longer-term concern are the silent majority, the Association’s chief executive Phil Stocker said.

“There is a huge amount of frustration out there at the moment, as many of the factors currently forcing the price down are outside the hand of producers.

“While the exchange rate and export trade is far removed, everyone one of us can walk into major UK supermarkets and see the lack of support from some retailers. Poor sourcing decisions are made by retailers every year - with the switch to UK new season lamb not coming soon enough and not being a 100 per cent policy for some - but in a year like this it is clearer to see because of the export trade being how it is.”

Mr Stocker added: “NSA does not engage in militant action, such as we are seeing France, but there is no surprise that producers are calling for it when the situation is so serious.

“Having spoken to huge numbers of members in recent weeks, we are actually far more concerned about the silent majority of farmers, among whom we have found a worrying air of resignation with some clearly planning changes in lambing next year that will have a direct impact on retailer sourcing.

“As an organisation, we have been warning retailers that they have got to start supporting UK producers to protect and build their domestic supply chain.

“If the lamb prices continues as it is, it is becoming clear that producers are seriously considering their future options. We need to see far stronger support from the retailers, be it commitment on UK sourcing, promotion of lamb to boost consumption, and/or passing more of their mark-up on lamb back to the producers.”

According to the NFU, farmers are currently receiving 44 per cent of the retail price of lamb, compared to 58 per cent a year ago.