During these meetings, union representatives reminded retailers of the findings of an NFU/NFU Cymru survey:
- 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
- 85% of people support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.
- 87% of people think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries we import food from as in the UK.
In Labour's 2024 manifesto they outlined that 'food security is national security'. This is the party that is currently in government in England and Wales and is a clear priority going forward.
Low confidence
The key to delivering this shared mission from farm to fork, is confidence, which unfortunately is currently at an all-time low for agricultural businesses.
Retailers with their high overall share in the food market, are a key part in getting that confidence back by supporting Welsh and British farmers with long term commitments in their sourcing policies. This is why we've taken the opportunity to meet with a number of retailers recently, to highlight why buying Welsh and British produce is a win-win for all:
Points raised
- Welsh and British food has lower travel miles from farm to shop, so generally has a lower carbon footprint than most imported foods. This helps retailers achieve their own carbon reduction targets as a business.
- Eating home produced fruit and vegetables which are in season are good for you. Foods in season contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at that time of the year.
- Welsh and British meat is produced to some of the highest welfare standards in the world; no growth-promoting hormones are allowed, and any antibiotics are administered only under veterinary direction.
- Wales’ beef and sheep industries are the envy of the world; breeding livestock and genetics from our native breeds are much sought after by farmers in other countries. Protect our great native livestock industry by buying the real thing, not an imported substitute.
- The UK’s cattle passport system means that each animal can be uniquely traced to its dam (mother) and place of birth.
- Home produced chicken and eggs are kept to some of the highest standards in the world.
- Selling home produced products will be supporting the economy; from the farmer to those who work in food processing and the shops, pubs and restaurants selling the food.
- You will play your part in protecting our environment, as much of Wales’ food is produced in a sustainable way that enhances the countryside.
- You will have the assurance of knowing what you are eating. The UK has some of the most robust food assurance and traceability systems in the world.
Clear labelling
The main other point that we made at the meetings is the need for a commitment to clear on-pack and on-shelf labelling, so that consumers are in no doubt about what they are buying.
By working together, we can ensure that supermarkets offer something UK consumers clearly want.