Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has launched a campaign to rally support from the UK public, asking them to act now to support Welsh farmers - not by giving time or signing petitions, simply by eating more Welsh Lamb than usual.
People across the UK are being urged to buy more Welsh Lamb as part of a campaign launched this Autumn to build support for Welsh farmers struggling to cope with the after-effects of the foot and mouth export ban.
The ban on all exports of UK red meat to Europe put in place following the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey has hit Welsh farmers badly as European exports usually account for a third of the total Welsh Lamb market at this time of the year.
Despite the export ban being lifted on 12 October, being unable to export lambs to Europe during the key sheep breeding season has meant that many Welsh farmers have more lambs on their farms than they are able to feed or keep. Many farmers will face financial ruin if the whole of the UK doesn't rally behind them now and eat more Welsh Lamb.
As well as eating more Welsh Lamb, campaign supporters can also show their allegiance by putting up a 'Buy Welsh Lamb' poster or car sticker. Posters can be downloaded from this website and stickers will be given away at regional events across the principality throughout November dates of roadshow venues will be posted on this website, so visit regularly to find out when the buy welsh lamb roadshow will be in your area.
HCC is hoping community groups, institutions and celebrities across the UK will be proud to support the campaign, and many Welsh chefs are already backing the campaign, including S4C chef Dudley Newbury and Monmouth-shire based Market Kitchen celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt.
