A move by Morrisons to fully support British livestock farmers
has been praised by the NFU.
The retailer’s CEO David Potts made the announcement at The Great
Yorkshire Show. Mr Potts said that Morrisons will no longer stock
imported lamb from New Zealand and Australia and will instead
move to 100% British in its own-label brand ‘Market Deals’.
Reacting to today’s announcement, NFU Deputy President Minette
Batters said: “We are extremely pleased that Morrisons has shown
this level of commitment and chosen to fully back British sheep
producers.
“Morrisons has traditionally been a strong supporter of the
British livestock industry and much of its messaging to shoppers
is centred on stocking 100% British Red Tractor assured
fresh meat. This move will certainly make it easier for shoppers
who want to buy British lamb in store but have previously been
confused by the ‘Market Deals’ labels.”
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said: “We
appreciate that Morrisons purchase a significant number of lambs
every year, around 750,000, so this high-profile commitment to
source 100% British lamb across all its lines provides a very
welcome boost for the UK sheep sector at a time when our future
trading relationships is uncertain. It is vitally important that
we see strong support from British retail and consumers.”
Notes to editors:
1.
Find out which retailers are backing British farming
in our shopping guides here.
2. The Great Yorkshire
Show is taking place in Harrogate, July 11-13 2017.
