The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling for retailers across the UK to promote meat produced in Northern Ireland, after reports of Uruguayan meat being sold in Asda supermarkets.
The UFU said farmers across Northern Ireland are continuously putting the work in to improve sustainability in their meat products, and that it is a huge disappointment for those efforts to be overlooked for imported meat.
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “It often goes unnoticed just how many hoops farmers have to get through to meet the high standards of the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme, which results in the prime products consumers see on local shop shelves.
“It’s extremely disappointing to see that ASDA stores in Britain have been stocking imported Uruguay steaks instead of supporting their local farmers who work to the same high standards as farmers in NI.”
There can often be concerns around imported produce as consumers are not aware of the production standards in other countries, especially when compared to the high standards across the UK and Ireland.
Cuddy added: “Our farmers work to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards. If imports fall short in comparison, this puts local farmers on the back foot”
Falling beef and sheep numbers
Beef and sheep numbers are currently declining in NI, with a December 2024 agricultural census showing a 4% drop in sheep and beef numbers respectively.
Cuddy said: “When supermarkets consistently support local produce, it gives a significant lift to the entire industry.
“At a time when beef and sheep numbers are falling, this commitment reassures farmers, strengthens confidence and helps ensure the long-term viability of their businesses.”
He went on to say that consumers deserve to know what they are buying, with clear and accurate labels.
This comes shortly after the UK government recently announced plans to  introduce mandatory labelling reforms on all animal products, a move that was greatly praised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
According to the UFU deputy president: “With the ongoing global issues, we need to be supporting local production and helping our agri-food industry to grow and thrive.
“None of us, supermarkets included, want to risk relying on imported foods when we have seen firsthand how fragile the world is in with war and diseases. Supporting local food production is key to our food security.”
