Supermarkets have been told if they fail to support the sheep sector now they may struggle to source home-produced lamb in the future.
The warning from the National Sheep Association (NSA) comes at a time when producers are making up to £15 less per lamb sold compared to last year.
“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,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.
“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% policy for some – but in a year like this it is clearer to see because of the export trade being how it is.”
He said a “silent majority of farmers” were considering their future in the sector.
“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,” added Mr Stocker.
Dingwall and Highland Marts manager Ian Tolmie said prime lamb prices were back about 20p/kg on last year, or about £10 a head back.
While, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sheep sales manager, Colin Slessor, said: “Prime lambs have been running consistently in the region of £15 per head back on the year but the trade was sharper this week at our Thursday sale. The store lamb season is just starting off and whilst prices are back on the year, the demand has been good.”
Last night NSA Scotland development officer George Milne urged producers to remain optimistic as the long-term forecast for the sector was promising.
He said the current market downturn had been made worse as a result of problems exporting meat to France, but once normal business resumed he was hopeful trade would pick up.
The Scottish branch of the association was working with butchers to promote lamb to the public and it planned to hold tasting sessions for members of the public in the very near future, he added.