SUPERMARKETS have been warned that low prices are forcing many sheep farmers to consider their future.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) says that while some farmers want to replicate the militant action seen in France, of far greater and longer-term concern is the silent majority who are seriously considering their options.

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said there was a huge amount of frustration as many of the factors forcing the price down are outside their control.

He said: "While the exchange rate and export trade is far removed, everyone of us can walk into major UK supermarkets and see the lack of support from some retailers.

"NSA does not engage in militant action, such as we are seeing in France, but there is no surprise that producers are calling for it when the situation is so serious.

"Having spoken to huge numbers of members in recent weeks, we are actually far more concerned about the silent majority of farmers, among whom we have found a worrying air of resignation with some clearly planning changes in lambing next year that will have a direct impact on retailer sourcing."

Mr Stocker said the NSA had been warning retailers that they must start supporting UK producers to protect and build their domestic supply chain.

"If the lamb price continues as it is, it is becoming clear that producers are seriously considering their future options," he said.

"We need to see far stronger support from the retailers, be it commitment on UK sourcing, promotion of lamb to boost consumption, and/or passing more of their mark-up on lamb back to the producers."

In the longer-term, NSA wants more innovation within the retail sector – more options of lamb cuts for consumers, lamb burgers receiving the same attention as beef burgers, and the use of mini lamb chops to compete with chicken legs, chicken wings and small spare ribs as finger food.

Mr Stocker said lamb was a high-quality, versatile product in huge demand on a world stage. "We know this because export markets are growing and, when the exchange rate isn’t against us, overseas customers love our product.

"We need to re-enthuse our domestic market about lamb, and with supermarkets being the vital link between us and consumers, there is a role there to be played."