“Support British farmers”, consumers urged as farms battle challenging weather and rising imports

With unusually high rainfall in July and August following a prolonged dry spell in June, harvesting grains and forage has been “a tense ordeal” for many this year, the National Sheep Association has said.

Chief executive Phil Stocker noted that the availability and quality of forage, bedding and catch crops is starting to creep into the minds of livestock producers.

Coupled with this, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, global economic conditions, access to vaccines and continued inflation in input prices – alongside pressure from retailers to try to limit food inflation – is making its mark on the industry.

NSA is asking the government and the public to work even harder to support British produce.

“There is a crunch point here that could affect long term food security and sustainability, and NSA wishes to encourage members to start planning for what could be a long winter – and the wider supply chain to support our farmers,” Mr Stocker said.

He added: “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% 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 the government and supply chains to ensure it maintains domestic market share in light of recent free trade agreements, he continued.

“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.”