‘PGI Welsh Lamb is a family affair that must be protected’ is the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ key message ahead of Love Lamb Week (1-7 September). Love Lamb Week was set up in 2015 by the late Rachel Lumley, a passionate Cumbrian sheep farmer who campaigned for lamb to get the attention it deserves.
Speaking from his North Wales farm, Union President Glyn Roberts said: “ Our Welsh lamb is a family affair from start to finish. From the Welsh family farms who produce it, to our consumers who enjoy coming together round the table to eat. But we must protect our family farms if we want to continue enjoying this wonderful sustainable, nutritious, food.”
With trade negotiations and Brexit on-going, as well as new farming policy and schemes in the making that could have potentially negative consequences for the sector, Mr Roberts stressed that it was in all our interests to safeguard the family farms of Wales.
“Our farmers do so much more than just produce sustainable, quality food for us - they take care of our environment, create value in the rural economy, keep our heritage and culture alive and so much more. All of this is under threat and we must work together to ensure that our family farms can continue to produce sustainable, nutritious food for us all to enjoy,” he added.
The FUW, Mr Roberts said, will continue its mission to advance and protect Wales’ family farms, both nationally and individually to ensure there are thriving, sustainable family farms in Wales.
“This Union will do all it can to address the political issues that could threaten our farming sector but I ask our consumers to stand by our side as well. By buying Welsh lamb you know that it has been produced to standards which are second to none in the world, that it is traceable right back to the farm, and environmentally friendly. By eating Welsh lamb, you are helping to sustain jobs, keep the economy going, safeguard our heritage, culture, and language.”