Protesting beef farmers target retailers at Great Yorkshire Show

Farmers expressed their anger over low beef prices by picketing the big retailers at The Great Yorkshire Show.

Farmers and NFU members went to the Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons stands on day one of the show (8 July) to demonstrate their dissatisfaction to retailers that the beef situation has not improved.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “This just proves the anger and concern from beef producers. Following on from promises made to them this year, they felt they had to make their case more strongly to retailers.”

See more Waitrose sets minimum beef price until October

Livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said the demonstration was needed to raise the profile of their members and highlight the frustration at farm level.

Mr Sercombe explained the regular contact with retailers is part of an ongoing engagement, but he called on them again to clearly differentiate British beef to give the consumer a clear choice.

Referring to a decision by some supermarkets to start price promotions on British beef, he said: “We’re pleased some retailers have taken note of our comments today and are supporting British farming. They’re seeing the benefits of their promotions as volumes of British beef sold are increasing. It’s a positive response but has been slow to begin – we’ve been calling for this since February.”

Longer-term signals are now needed, such as forward pricing or long-term contracts, as producing beef is such a long process, added Mr Sercombe.

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Mr Raymond said they were seeing some examples of this happening, but they are still few and far between. One such example is Dovecote Park, sole beef processor for Waitrose.

“I’m grateful to Dovecote Park, who has set a baseline price of £3.45/kg until the end of October, as everyone in the supply chain needs to work together to build a profitable beef industry,” he said.

“Following on from the beef summit, it’s important the actions agreed are implemented so we can build the confidence needed for an economical, sustainable beef industry.” he added.