Ulster Farmers’ Union Beef and Lamb Chairman Robert Davidson has raised concerns over reports of an influx of Polish beef coming into Northern Ireland saying that it is undermining local producer prices and that processors and supermarkets would do well to remember the lessons learned following the horsemeat scandal earlier this year.
Robert Davidson said; “The rise of Polish beef imports into Northern Ireland is angering farmers and many feel it is a deliberate attempt by processors and supermarkets to drive down the price of local beef. In fact, this is the first time for as long as I can remember that beef prices have fallen before Christmas. Northern Ireland has a world class beef industry and our Farm Quality Assurance scheme ensures that consumers get high quality, safe and traceable beef. Our farmers work incredibly hard and deserve a fair price for their meat.
“It has been less than a year since some processors and supermarkets embarrassed the beef industry with the horsemeat scandal, surely their memories can’t be that short that they have already forgotten? Promises were made across the board about shortening the supply chain and sourcing locally, however the latest Polish beef import reports fly in the face of those promises. We suspect that much of the Polish meat will be destined for ready meals or the catering trade, and my fear is that processors and retailers are on a slippery slope back to their old ways which could potentially lead to another scandal. Clear labelling is also important. Consumers want to buy reasonably priced food but they also what to know where it comes from. Unfortunately, current labelling legislation does allow some retailers and processors to exercise their creativity. The beef in your ready-made lasagne may be from Poland but if it was slaughtered and processed here the label could say ‘Northern Ireland’ or even ‘UK’ giving the impression that the meat is local.”
The Union met with representatives from NIMEA last week where concerns were raised about these Polish beef imports. The Union has also written to the Agriculture Minister, the chair of the Agriculture Committee and the Finance Minister pressing them to ensure that food is sourced locally for government food contracts.
