M&S lamb guarantee welcomed

Shropshire's farming leaders today welcomed a move by retail giants Marks & Spencer to help livestock farmers in the wake of foot and mouth and blue tongue.

Store chiefs will extend the minimum price guarantee for lamb and also pledged an increase in the number of British lamb products available over the Christmas period in a bid to give the industry a much-needed boost.

Under its Lamb Pledge, the retailer will pay 240p per kilo deadweight to dedicated farmers in its supply chain.

There will be the additional bonus of gaining up to an extra 35p per kilo for farmers who achieve specific weights, as well as satisfy additional social, environmental and animal welfare benefits.

David Morgan, chairman of the NFU livestock board in the West Midlands, said: "The news is welcome and we endorse the principle of setting a forward minimum price as this helps farms plan their business.

"We hope that other retailers will look at the work being done by M&S and that they also follow suit to help livestock farmers and lamb producers.

"M&S clearly value their relationship with farmers and the important role that they play in the supply of quality British lamb."

Mr Morgan, who farms in Herefordshire, said: "I would also appeal to those who would normally supply New Zealand lamb at that time to consider selling more British lamb."

The NFU said that M&S's commitment to use more home-grown lamb during Christmas and into the new year acknowledged that home-grown lamb could deliver the quality customers demanded.

Sheep farmer Mervin Mullard, on the outskirts of Bishop's Castle, said: "The price is not marvellous but it's a lot better than it has been. It is good to see Marks & Spencer taking a responsible approach. If only others would follow suit.

"Sheep farmers have been decimated with TB, foot and mouth and blue tongue and confidence is rock bottom. This is a nice bit of good news for a change."

Mervin's farm has been under TB restrictions since April. He greeted yesterday's report on badger culling, in which the Government's chief scientific advisor Sir David King backed a cull.

"We want healthy cattle and healthy badgers and the only way that can be achieved is with a cull," he explained. "This is a long term business and we can only approach the future if we know the Government is trying to tackle the situation head-on.

"At last the scientists are beginning to make sense."