NFU Cymru is bringing a ‘taste’ of the countryside to Wales’ capital city this Friday, 14 August, to help explain to shoppers why it’s more important than ever to #backWelshfarming
In what is an extremely challenging time for the Welsh agricultural industry, with lamb producers and dairy farmers in particular facing severe price pressures, NFU Cymru has organised a positive demonstration in Cardiff city centre to showcase the quality and versatility of Welsh produce first hand to consumers.
This Friday NFU Cymru members from across Wales will be on hand to explain to shoppers in Cardiff why the farming industry is currently struggling and how they can help. Tasters of Welsh lamb, served as mini burgers and slow roasted shoulder; Welsh cheeses and Welsh milk will be given out along with flyers explaining the three ‘Ls’ that shoppers should look for when out shopping:
Logos – indicating quality standards and origin of ingredients
Labels – indicate where products are from and how they are made
Location – point of sale locations like shops or supermarkets should be placing Welsh products in high-visibility areas
John Davies, NFU Cymru Deputy President, said, “We’re keen to harness Welsh consumers’ powerful voice so we can use it when it comes to getting retailers, restaurants and government in Wales to back the Welsh farming industry.
“The Welsh public are our greatest asset, the tasters we are giving away today are our way of thanking them for the support they already provide in backing Welsh farming but we will ask that they continue to help us through this crisis by holding to account retailers and food service providers who are failing to ensure that Welsh produce is clearly promoted and displayed.
“I’m looking forward to spending the day in Cardiff city centre thanking shoppers for supporting us this far, talking through the world leading production standards that our farmers practice day in and day out and encouraging shoppers to do all they can to buy Welsh wherever possible in the future. Farmers are naturally shy individuals but recent knocks to the industry have brought them out of their shells. What we want to deliver on Friday is a positive image of farming whilst we’re in the capital city, after all, Welsh food and farming are a cornerstone of the Welsh economy - delivering £5.8billion.”
NFU Cymru Director John Mercer said, “The Welsh consumer has been extremely supportive throughout this present crisis and we have been inundated with calls from the public asking how they can support Welsh farmers and for this, we are extremely grateful. Our event of Friday is another way of highlighting this crisis, showcasing our produce, thanking the consumer and explaining first-hand how the Welsh public can get behind and show support for Welsh farmers.”
