The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has written to the newly appointed Secretary of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Stephen Morgan Calling for urgent action on beef imports and labeling.
the UnionAmazon’s ongoing beef campaign calls for more transparency about where beef comes from.
The initiative also aims to ensure that Northern Ireland’s beef farmers are not disadvantaged by imports produced under different regimes.
revolution
UFU vice president Clement Lynch said the campaign focused on giving consumers clear information.
“Our message is simple, consumers deserve to know where their beef comes from.
“Northern Ireland’s beef farmers produce food to the highest standards anywhere in the world, but are under increasing pressure due to falling producer prices, rising input costs and the entry of imported beef into the UK market.
“That’s why our campaign is so important. It’s about standing up for family farms, local food production and consumer choice.
“If people want to support local farmers and high-quality local production, they must be given the information necessary to make that choice,” he said.
Beef imports
In the letter, the UFU calls for urgent engagement with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on mandatory country of origin labeling across foodservice, hospitality, catering and processed beef products.
The union is also seeking greater transparency regarding origin and production standards Imported beef.
The letter calls for a Northern Ireland-specific assessment of how trade agreements and increased imports will impact local producers.
“Trade must be fair and transparent and must not undermine local food production.
“The EU is not opposed to international trade, but government policy should support rather than weaken UK food security.
“Food security cannot be taken for granted. If falling yields and import pressures continue to erode confidence in the beef sector, there will be long-term consequences for family farms, rural communities and Northern Ireland’s ability to produce high-quality food.
“We are requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Morgan and his officials to ensure full recognition of the specific circumstances faced by beef producers in Northern Ireland,” Lynch said.
