Scottish lamb plea to supermarkets

Some major supermarkets are snubbing Scottish lamb in favour of “98%” imported meat according to the NFUS.

The union has written to all major supermarkets asking them to commit to offering Scottish lamb this Easter.

Superstores like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys have been asked to do more to support Scotland’s lamb farmers, while Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and others have been praised for their “staunch” backing.

Last Easter (March 2017) an NFUS shelf watch found two-thirds of the lamb offered on supermarket shelves was Scottish or British.

However, in some stores the share of imported lamb on shelves was well above 50% and as high as 98%.

The NFUS believes figures for homeproduced lamb can be significantly improved by greater retailer support and has for two years been working with retailers who stock imported lamb to increase their offering or extend the season for buying Scottish and British lamb before turning to imports.

In the letter to retailers, the union has asked all supermarkets to provide information on what volumes of imported lamb they are likely to stock in the next few weeks.

It also urges its members to keep an eye on shop shelves and let the union know good and bad news on the amounts of Scottish lamb offered.

NFUS president Andrew Mccornick said: “Scotland has the ability to produce high quality lamb all year round.

“That is something that some retailers already support with a 100% commitment to Scottish or British lamb on their shelves throughout the year,” added Mr Mccornick.

“However, last Easter, there was frustration and anger amongst Scottish sheep farmers when some retailers were found to be stocking up to 98%imported produce.”

The NFUS wants all major supermarkets to commit to offering Scottish lamb this Easter.