The UK's National Farmers' Union (NFU) has taken aim at major grocers in the country over their sourcing of beef products.
The union has called for "consistent action on sourcing commitments", pointing to Australian, Uruguayan and New Zealand beef on shelves at Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.
David Barton, NFU livestock board chair, said: “It’s deeply concerning to see major retailers now move away from their previous commitments to sourcing British in the last few weeks in favour of imports, many of which have been produced to lower standards. Farmers’ long-standing partnerships with retailers have supported sustainable supply chains, so this shift is alarming.
“Over the past year, the industry has heard warm words from almost every major retailer pledging support for British farmers. But these words ring hollow when British produce is not given pride of place on shelves.”
Barton added: “British farmers have invested in higher standards such as reducing antibiotic use in beef and lowering poultry stocking densities in sheds. Consumers want these high-quality production systems, shown by over one million people signing our petition for import standards to match the UK’s.
“But delivering these standards comes with additional financial costs. Long-term sourcing commitments from retailers are essential to ensuring that the high welfare British food consumers want remains available.”
In a statement, Asda, the UK's third-largest grocer by market share, defended its position.
The retailer said: "We always look to offer customers a wide choice of products to suit all budgets, and the country of origin is always clearly labelled on pack so customers can make an informed choice about their purchases.
“Grass & Grill steaks are provided by a branded partner and available in our stores for a limited time only. All of Asda’s own brand fresh beef continues to be sourced from farms in the UK and Republic of Ireland.”
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s, the country's second-biggest food retailer, said the NFU's “claims are entirely misleading" and "based solely" on two Wagyu products "that account for just 0.1% of our beef range".
The spokesperson added: "We have an unwavering, long-term commitment to British farming and this has zero impact on our approach or existing partnerships.
“These items were sourced from New Zealand to our consistently high quality standards to meet customer demand. The country of origin is also clearly labelled to ensure our customers can make informed choices when they shop with us.”
A spokesperson for Morrisons, the fifth-largest grocer in the UK, said: "Morrisons remains 100% British on all our meat counters. In our aisles – alongside our New Zealand lamb – we are introducing trials of some imported meat from trusted suppliers to help us offer outstanding value through the seasons and through any supply fluctuations."
