Farmers took to social media on 1 December to showcase the best of British turkeys this Christmas.
Messages, photos and videos were posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #BuyMyTurkey to remind the public to start thinking about the centrepiece of the Christmas dinner table – a traditional British farm fresh turkey.
The public were urged to support British farmers, and to choose a bird that has been reared locally.
Radio DJ Chris Moyles lent his support to #BuyMyTurkey live on air on his breakfast show to over one million listeners.
NFU poultry board member and turkey farmer Mike Bailey said: “Turkey producers across the country are preparing for the busy festive period so millions of us can tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner.
“Buying your turkey directly from the farm where it has been produced not only benefits a local farming business but provides you with a great tasting bird reared to the highest standards.
“If you’re going to the local supermarket then look carefully at the country of origin labelling and keep an eye out for the Red Tractor logo, which also provides a guarantee of traceability, environmental protection, food safety and hygiene and welfare standards.
“We’re hoping everyone – farmers, NFU members and the public - will get involved on social media today using the hashtag #BuyMyTurkey and share messages and even make a short video of why buying a local British turkey is important. It really is a great way to Back British Farming this Christmas.”
Red Tractor logo
The NFU said the initiative was a "great way" to back British farming this Christmas. The farming union said that when shopping, consumers should look carefully at the country of origin labelling, and keep an eye out for the Red Tractor logo.
The Union Jack flag helps ensure consumers that they are purchasing fully-traceable food produced on British farms.
Minette Batters, NFU Deputy President, said: “When shopping in retail stores we are encouraging consumers to get behind our campaign to support British farming.
“One of the easiest ways this can be achieved is in buying produce displaying the Red Tractor logo, which also provides a guarantee of traceability, environmental protection, food safety and hygiene and welfare standards.
“The festive season is a time when British produce such as roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and traditional turkey are treasured. And while Christmas dinner is the cornerstone of Christmas Day, British agriculture has a far wider part to play this time of year with the provision of British trees, plants and beers, to name but a few.”
