The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has written to the newly appointed Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Stephen Morgan calling for urgent action on beef imports and labelling.
The union's ongoing beef campaign is demanding greater transparency around where beef comes from.
The initiative is also aiming to ensuring Northern Ireland beef farmers are not undermined by imports produced under different systems.
UFU
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the campaign is focused on giving consumers clear information.
"Our message is simple, consumers deserve to know where their beef comes from.
"Northern Ireland beef farmers produce food to some of the highest standards anywhere in the world, but they are being placed under increasing pressure from falling producer prices, high input costs and imported beef entering the UK market.
"This is why our campaign is so important. It is about standing up for family farms, local food production and consumer choice.
"If people want to support local farmers and high-standard domestic production, they must be given the information 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 labelling across food service, hospitality, catering and processed beef products.
The union is also seeking greater transparency on the origin and production standards of imported beef.
The letter calls for a Northern Ireland-specific assessment of how trade agreements and rising imports are affecting local producers.
"Trade must be fair, transparent and must not undermine domestic food production.
"The UFU is not opposed to international trade, but government policy must support rather than weaken UK food security.
"Food security cannot be taken for granted. If falling returns and import pressure continue to weaken 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 asking for an urgent meeting with Minister Morgan and his officials to ensure the specific circumstances facing Northern Ireland beef producers are fully recognised," Lynch said.