UFU Discuss Beef Issues with Sainsbury’s
UK - The Ulster Farmers’ Union recently met with Sainsbury’s as part of its plan to highlight the current difficulties faced in the Northern Ireland Beef Industry to all major UK retailers.The UFU also discussed with Sainsbury’s their beef market requirements and specifications for red meat as well as high level customer buying trends and sales.
UFU Deputy President Harry Sinclair commented; “It is essential that we highlight our concerns regarding Northern Ireland beef production both at present and going forward and we feel encouraged by the outcome of this meeting and by Sainsbury’s intentions to help build relationships along the supply chain. Sainsbury’s is the first supermarket to meet with the UFU on this issue and we intend to hold further meetings with other UK retailers in the coming months.”
He added; “For years, the UFU has raised the issue that the current gap in prices paid for cattle in NI and those paid for cattle in GB must be addressed. Our beef prices have always been compared with those in the South of England but over the past three years we have seen that gap widening. We feel that Sainsbury’s willingness to create a positive relationship with the Northern Ireland Beef Industry and their producers is a step in the right direction and we are pleased to know that they source Northern Ireland beef as a British product for their UK stores.”
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