THE NFU has called on retailers to show more commitment to British beef and lamb.

It follows the monthly English Beef and Lamb Executive survey of its availability on supermarket shelves in March.

Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer displayed 100pc fresh British beef, while Aldi and Lidl showed a 100pc commitment.

The amount on sale at Asda rose from 42pc to 65pc and Sainsbury’s also showed an upward trend.

However, it found a small decrease in British beef in Tesco stores, although more than 80pc displayed was still British.

Lamb figures varied because of seasonal availability and buying policy. The report showed Marks and Spencer displayed only four per cent of British lamb on its shelves when the audits were done – a massive reduction from 50pc at the same time last year.

The NFU said Somerfield, Waitrose and – to a lesser extent – Sainsbury’s and Tesco also had disappointing levels of British lamb on their shelves.

Asda, however, maintained its levels at 70pc.

Alistair Mackintosh, NFU livestock board chairman, said greater commitment for sourcing British beef and lamb was required.

He said: “Given the right signals, British producers are willing and able to satisfy any demand.

Some supermarkets have 100pc British beef and high percentages of lamb on their shelves and I believe others could stock more and show further commitment to British producers.”

He was “particularly disappointed”

to see considerable percentage drops from the likes of Marks and Spencer, Co- Op/Somerfield and Waitrose.

Mr Mackintosh said the lamb trade was heavily influenced by currency and the export market, but it was vital retailers examine their buying policies to safeguard the long term sustainability of home production.

He said: “While I do recognise the improvements that have been made, and welcome them as a step in the right direction, I believe that there are good reasons for increased support for British production. I would urge retailers to continue their commitment to sourcing British.”