AS the industry celebrated Great British Beef Week, the NFU is urging farmers to use this opportunity to demonstrate why government should support the promotion of world-class, sustainable British beef both at home and abroad.

NFU president Minette Batters said that this year’s Great British Beef Week had come at a crucial time for the country and farmers.

She said: "Not only are we exploring life outside of the EU and new market opportunities abroad, we’re in the run up to the world’s biggest climate conference, COP26, which is being hosted in the UK later this year.

“We have the credentials to be world leaders in sustainable red meat production – to set the global standard for high welfare, climate-friendly beef and help build the British food brand, which is founded on these values – across the world.

"British farmers already have an ambition to become net zero by 2040 and our beef production is already incredibly sustainable, with greenhouse gas emissions from UK beef already less than half the global average.

Ms Batters said that if the UK is to achieve this ambition, both public and political support is needed to demonstrate why the Government should invest in promoting the British brand both at home and overseas.

It’s also crucial, she said, that clear and honest labelling is in place, not just in retail but also out of home, in order for the public to make informed buying decisions and support British beef.

She said: “As farmers, we know the quality of our products. We know how we care for our cattle. We know that our businesses form the backbone of rural economies and communities. And we know how British farming methods help protect the environment, reduce our climate impact and maintain our iconic countryside for everyone to enjoy.”