The National Sheep Association (NSA) has said farmers may have a “mountain to climb” this winter due to continued “extreme volatility” in supply chains, input costs and the marketplace.
Ahead of this, the trade association for UK sheep farmers has urged the public to buy British produce to support their farmers.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said this summer is proving to be another challenging one for the farming world, with unusually high rainfall in July and August following a prolonged dry spell in June.
“There are regional differences but for many the harvest of grains and forage is a tense ordeal and the impact across the country could be felt with the availability and quality of forage, bedding and catch crops starting to creep into the minds of livestock producers,” he said.
Stocker said the ongoing war in Ukraine, global economic conditions, access to vaccines and continued inflation in input prices is “making its mark” across industry.
At the same time, he said, there is “continued pressure” from retailers to try to limit food inflation.
“There is a crunch point here that could affect long term food security and sustainability, and NSA wishes to encourage members to start planning for what could be a long winter – and the wider supply chain to support our farmers.”
British food
Stocker said it is extremely important that consumers are able to access British food as it benefits local farming communities.
“Sheep and goat meat imports from New Zealand to the EU jumped by 18% year-on-year in the first four months of 2023, according to new figures,” he said.
“NSA is keen to see retailers across the board, along with government, champion British food.
“British lamb needs the support of our government and supply chains in ensuring our product maintains domestic market share in light of recent free trade agreements.”
Stocker said the agricultural industry is combating a period of unprecedented volatility in all areas, so now is the time to “champion British”.
