The NFU's livestock team have put together a briefing document for members analysing the effects of COVID-19 on the beef market and the supply chain.
NFU members: Click here to download the briefing
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Hear directly from NFU President Minette Batters on the work the NFU is doing to ensure retailers continue to back British and support farmers in keeping the nation fed:
British farmers are working to keep the nation fed day in, day out. We’ve been hearing the concerns from our members about issues across the supply chain and we’re in regular contact with Government, ensuring your voice is heard where it matters.
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) April 6, 2020
?? to hear from @Minette_Batters pic.twitter.com/C5EOuCs526
The NFU's chief livestock adviser John Royle said:
“Our meat supply chains have not been immune to the disruption seen in retail and food supply chains in recent weeks and many will be aware that there has been some Polish beef and poultry meat stocked by some UK retailers.
“We have challenged this apparent change in sourcing policy. We are aware of the overwhelming customer demand for beef mince and poultry meat that outstripped the processors’ capacity to meet demand – in particular for mince. The retailers involved have indicated that this is a one off, and haven't moved away from their standard sourcing policies nor their commitment to British.
“British farmers are prepared and enthusiastic to meet any increased retail demand and are committed to meet the needs of consumers. We’re urging retailers and processors to build resilience now to manage any future disruptive buying behaviour and help improve availability of product through this difficult time.”
Coronavirus: Updates and advice
This news hub on NFUonline will be updated regularly to keep you up to date with what you need to know and how to deal with the various issues raised by coronavirus. Visit the hub.
Click here to use the NFU's COVID-19 business impact service.
By using this form, farmers and growers can provide information on any business-critical issues they have encountered, or expect to encounter, arising from the COVID-19 outbreak. The NFU will log this information and use it in an anonymised format to flag the key issues agriculture and horticulture are facing to government on a daily basis. However, no personal data will be shared with the government. The service is for all farmers and growers across the UK.
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