Richard Evans, NFU Cymru’s Chairman for Meirionnydd said, “There is very real anger that a supermarket in a town such as Dolgellau, which is dependent on the farming industry, is stocking imported beef and lamb cuts which have travelled thousands of miles to reach Wales.

“There is a steady supply of Welsh beef throughout the year and there is currently an ample supply of Welsh lamb, yet stores such as Somerfield seem to have no policy of regularly stocking locally produced food. How can we promote an excellent, world-renowned product such as Welsh lamb to visitors if they cannot find it on the shelves of local outlets?”

Somerfield are crucifying local farmers and displaying a total disregard for the local community and economy upon whom they depend for their custom. If Somerfield want the support of local people then they should equally support the local farming industry.

NFU Cymru has written to Somerfield asking that they reverse the policy of stocking imported lamb and beef. Concerns over the traceability of beef from Brazil, where foot and mouth disease is prevalent in certain areas of the country, as well as the detrimental environmental impact of transporting produce to Wales over thousands of miles were also highlighted in NFU Cymru’s letter to the store. There are severe question marks over the traceability of this imported product from a country where the use of cattle growth hormones is still commonplace.

Richard Evans added, “Dolgellau is a rural town and many of Somerfield’s customers are farmers or have strong links to farming. However, the store chooses to ignore the significant effect a policy such as theirs has on lamb and beef prices in the immediate area and the knock on effect it has on the income of farmers in Dolgellau and throughout the whole of Meirionnydd. It is ironic that the store is located next door to one of Wales’ premier livestock markets.

“I would urge Somerfield, and indeed all retailers, not to turn their backs on home-reared beef and lamb in favour of cheaper imports or they run the risk of losing the Welsh lamb and beef industries altogether.” -ends-