Industry unites to champion NIFQA lamb during Love Lamb Week

Stakeholder representatives from LMC, UFU, YFCU and ABP are pictured launching Love Lamb Week 2026 at Joshua Keys’ farm near Fivemiletown.

Industry stakeholders are once again joining forces to celebrate the quality and versatility of lamb as part of Love Lamb Week. The annual UK-wide initiative, now in its 11th year returns from 1 September to encourage consumers to enjoy more locally produced lamb.

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) will work with UK red meat levy bodies to coordinate the ‘Make It Lamb’ campaign. At a local level the Commission will partner with the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) and ABP Food Group to deliver a coordinated programme of promotional activity which showcases Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) lamb.

Love Lamb Week 2026 will focus on two central themes: the people and process behind lamb production, and the wide variety of tasty and versatile meals that can be made using lamb.

Commenting, Lauren Patterson, LMC Head of Marketing and Communications said, “Love Lamb Week shines a light on the positive attributes of UK sheep production and we are proud to be joining with our counterparts across the UK to share the ‘Make It Lamb’ campaign. More locally we are delighted to be working with the UFU, YFCU and ABP to amplify promotional messaging.

“In Northern Ireland we have a hugely positive story to tell where lamb production is concerned. Working collaboratively with our fellow industry partners enables us to tell the full and positive story of NIFQA lamb from farm right through to fork. Throughout the week we will promote NIFQA lamb via a variety of channels, partnering with farmers and food influencers to champion the production standards behind our high-quality lamb and to encourage consumers to cook with and enjoy NIFQA lamb at home. Keep an eye on our LMC and Beef and Lamb NI social media pages throughout the week to see what we get up to.”

UFU deputy president, Clement Lynch, said, “Resilience is a defining characteristic of sheep farmers. Despite operating in one of the most challenging sectors of agriculture, often with limited support, they continue to produce high-quality lamb with dedication, professionalism and pride.

“Sheep farming is a year-round commitment. Beyond delivering a world-class food product, sheep farmers play a vital role in sustaining rural communities, supporting the environment, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon and contributing significantly to Northern Ireland’s economy.

“Lamb is not only delicious, but also a highly nutritious source of quality protein, vitamins and minerals. Despite its many benefits, lamb consumption continues to decline across the UK. During Love Lamb Week, I would encourage everyone to support our local sheep sector by choosing Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (FQAS) lamb for a home-cooked meal or selecting a lamb dish when dining out. By doing so, you are backing the hardworking farmers who strive every day to produce a world-class product to the highest standards.”

YFCU president, Kristina Fleming added, “Love Lamb Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our sheep farmers and showcase the quality, versatility, and provenance of Northern Ireland lamb. Our YFCU members, Joshua and Allister, are proud to play a part in promoting the excellent produce that is produced on farms across Northern Ireland. It is important that we continue to tell the story behind our food, from the hard work of our farmers and the high standards they work to, through to the delicious meals that can be enjoyed by consumers. We are delighted to work alongside LMC, UFU and ABP to champion NIFQA lamb and encourage everyone to support local farmers by choosing locally produced lamb.”

George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said, “We are delighted to support the Livestock and Meat Commission’s initiative “Love Lamb Week.” We welcome the wide range of promotional activities and events designed to build consumer awareness and confidence in Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Lamb. The diverse landscape of our countryside undoubtedly highlights the special relationship between the land, our sheep farmers and our consumers.”