NFWI-Wales and NFU Cymru join forces to improve the promotion and labelling of Welsh red meat products

On 19^th July, ahead of the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, NFWI-Wales and NFU Cymru launched a campaign with the aim of improving the promotion and labelling of Welsh red meat products. 

The decline in the red meat industry over recent years is a concern to both farmers and consumers who rely on the availability of high quality Welsh produce. 

We hope to engage members the length and breadth of Wales in being the eyes and ears of farmers when shopping, both in-store and on-line, and when eating out.  Our main message to members is if you are not happy with what you see then ask the store manager or restaurant owner about what you have seen and how it can be rectified.

In retail outlets Welsh meat should be prominently displayed and clearly labelled to support consumers in purchasing Welsh products.  In eating establishments more should be done to source local meat and brand it as such on menus. Here are some of the questions that members will be asked to consider:

When purchasing beef or lamb products:

·           Does Welsh beef and lamb get a fair share of the shelf space?

·           Is it clearly labelled Welsh? 

·           Is it lost or mixed in amongst imported products?

When eating out:

·           Does the menu contain locally sourced products, particularly red meat – and is the meat branded as Welsh?

·           If you’re unsure of what is being offered on the menu ask where it comes from.

This campaign is an opportunity for members to use their power as consumers and to take practical action which will make an extremely positive contribution to bringing the issue to the public consciousness and encouraging people to really think about where their food comes from and encouraging them to buy meat produced in Wales; the more pressure put on the retailer the more the demand will rise for good local produce.

Further information about the campaign and how members can get involved is available from the following link:

http://www.thewi.org.uk/wi-in-wales/news-and-events/nfwi-wales-and-nfu-cymru-join-forces-to-improve-the-promotion-and-labelling-of-welsh-red-meat-products