Farmer fury as Charles’s Duchy label sells NZ lamb

THE Duchy Originals brand was set up by Prince Charles to promote the best of British produce.

But furious farmers have revealed that the range has been selling lamb from New Zealand rather than the UK.

Waitrose Duchy Organic, which is a partnership between Waitrose and the Prince’s Duchy Originals firm, has confirmed that is sells imported lamb under the Duchy brand when supplies from British farms are not in season.

The supermarket also sells a range of other imported produce alongside British crops under the Duchy name.

Welsh farmer Gethin Havard said: ‘I’ve been lambing for eight weeks battling the elements, then I go into Waitrose to find New Zealand lamb for sale under the Duchy Organic label. I’m very disappointed.’ Mr Havard, 59, from Brecon, said he plans to contact Prince Charles about the matter, adding: ‘He is so pro-British farming that this seems to cut across everything he believes in.’

A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman said: ‘This is a matter for Waitrose – they lease the Duchy Organic brand from us.’

A spokesman for Waitrose said it operates a ‘best in season’ policy for all its lamb to ensure high quality all year round.