Frustration has broke out in the industry after it has become apparent that Morrisons supermarket will no longer sell solely British lamb in its stores.
The supermarket chain has said that it will start a trial later this week to sell New Zealand lamb in 39 stores because the meat is cheaper to source and sell than British lamb.
A spokesperson for the company said: “The trial follows an extensive exercise listening to customers who were very clear that they want us to sell lamb at a more accessible price all year round.
Trial to begin in 39 stores this week
“The blunt commercial reality is that New Zealand lamb is cheaper to source and therefore cheaper to sell than British lamb.
“We will remain 100% British lamb on all our butchers’ counters, and the New Zealand lamb will of course be clearly labelled so customers in these trial stores will see the difference and can make a choice.
“We do not intend this move to mean a reduction in the overall volumes of lamb that we buy directly from British farmers.”
‘NZ lamb is cheaper to source and therefore cheaper to sell than British lamb’ says Morrisons
Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association (NSA) said that the move is “hugely disappointing” and goes against all the principles on which supermarket has built its reputation amongst the farming community.
Mr Stocker said: “We learnt of this disappointing news whilst returning from the Field to Fork Summit held on Tuesday with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street. An event that was designed to show support for UK agriculture and where the supermarket itself had a presence promoting its commitment to British farmers. So, the timing of this announcement is really quite unbelievable.
“This is a very poor decision, and something NSA warned could happen during the negotiations around the new trade deals agreed with Australia and New Zealand last year.”
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Mr Stocker continues: “UK sheep farmers have been receiving strong prices for their produce over recent months, but if we want high standards in the UK then these are realistic prices that are needed for farmers to produce lamb sustainably and at a price that can allow much needed reinvestment into their farms.
“And not forgetting the UK sheep sector has endured a very difficult winter and early spring with seriously challenging weather conditions, Schmallenberg virus causing losses on many farms, plus the threat of Bluetongue virus arriving from Europe this summer.
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“All these things are causing a level of uncertainty amongst many farmers. The last thing UK producers now need is for their prices to be undermined by cheaper imports.”
A spokesperson for subsidiary company Woodhead Bros confirmed the trial would take place across stores in the North East of England for five weeks due to ”commercial realities” and that produce would be clearly labelled.
They said it is not with the intention to reduce British lamb volumes and that a decision would be made from how successful the trial is.
NFU Scotland vice-president Andrew Connon described the announcement as a “slap in the face” for producers who have endured a challenging lambing.
He said: “It comes at a time when volumes of fresh, tasty new season lamb are growing week by week, produced to the highest standards and to a quality that is second to none.
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“Choosing to turn to New Zealand at this time, and paying scant regard to concerns over food miles, needs proper explanation to the industry, backed up by reassurances over the volumes of Scottish and British lamb that the retailer still intends to purchase in the future.
“We need Morrisons to come to the table to discuss this move around lamb sourcing with those most affected.”