Farmers 'disgusted' by imports

Montgomeryshire farmers are up in arms over supermarkets in the region selling imported beef and lamb.

NFU Cymru said it was "disgusted" the Somerfield stores from Welshpool to Dolgellau were stocking the meat.

A union spokeswoman said: "Brazilian beef and New Zealand lamb are being offered to the town's consumers in favour, it seems, of locally produced Welsh meat, which meets the highest quality assurance standards."

And Bobby Morgan, NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire county chairman, said: "There is very real anger that a supermarket in towns such as Welshpool and Newtown are stocking imported beef and lamb cuts which have travelled thousands of miles.

"There is a steady supply of Welsh beef throughout the year and there is currently an ample supply of Welsh lamb, yet stores such as Somerfield seem to have no policy of regularly stocking locally-produced food."

The union has written to Somerfield asking them to reverse their policy of stocking imported lamb and beef.

Pete Williams, Somerfield's head of press, PR and charity, said the company was committed to increasing the range and availability of regional produce and support for local farmers.

He said: "The high cost of British lamb and poor availability forced us to increase imports from New Zealand to ensure that we can maintain customer demand.

"We are now looking at ways in which we can support local producers to help build a sustainable market for British lamb and will be talking to Welsh sheep farmers and our suppliers about these opportunities."