UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with Europe and traceability standards in the US.

The agreement, finalised last week during discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, establishes a mutual export quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef between the two nations. This marks a potential shift in trade, as very little US beef has been sold in the UK since a 1989 ban due to concerns over the use of growth hormones.   

Adam Quinney, a farmer from Sambourne on the Warwickshire-Worcestershire border, believes the deal is unlikely to result in a significant presence of American beef in UK supermarkets. However, he expressed concern about the potential implications for trade with the European Union. “It would be a concern if the trade barriers with Europe were made even more difficult than they are now,” Mr Quinney explained.

The UK government has sought to reassure farmers, stating that “the rules on food standards have not changed” and that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted for import. Mr Quinney echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were worried about standards, and what type of beef can be imported. And as more and more details come forward, it appears that it’s quite sensible. It’s hormone-free beef.”  

However, David Barton, a Cotswolds farmer and livestock chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), raised concerns about the lack of a national cattle tracing system in the US. “We have incredibly good traceability in the UK,” Mr Barton emphasised. “Every animal on my farm has a cattle passport from the moment it’s born. So wherever it goes, it can be traced right back to me. Do they have that in the US? I don’t think they do.”

He stressed the need for robust procedures to ensure the imported beef is indeed hormone-free. “We need to make sure that there are robust, rigorous procedures in place that we’re confident that it’ll be their non-hormone product.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that US producers will be required to have monitoring and certification processes in place to demonstrate compliance with UK food standards.

Despite the concerns, Mr Barton also acknowledged potential benefits for UK beef producers. “Our product is largely grass-fed,” he explained. “It’s a premium product, and it doesn’t carry the amount of fat that the US product has. So the US are always looking for lean beef to mix with their product. So there will be opportunities.” This suggests that UK beef, known for its quality and grass-fed nature, could find a niche market in the US, potentially complementing the more grain-fed American product.

Original source: BBC News

Supermarkets Suspend Cranswick Supplies Over Animal Welfare Concerns

Shares in British meat producer Cranswick experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% on Monday following the suspension of supplies from one of its farms by major UK supermarkets. The move comes in response to animal welfare concerns raised by a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which included footage allegedly depicting animal abuse by workers at Cranswick’s North Moor Farm in Lincolnshire.

The significant drop in Cranswick’s share price marked its largest one-day percentage decrease since March 2020, reflecting investor concern over the potential impact on the company’s reputation and sales.

In an emailed statement, a Cranswick spokesperson confirmed the company was taking immediate action. “As soon as we saw the footage, we immediately suspended the team working at the farm and we are conducting an urgent and thorough investigation,” the spokesperson stated.

Cranswick is a major player in the UK pig production sector, supplying a wide range of products including fresh pork, sausages, and bacon to supermarkets nationwide.

“We are extremely disappointed to see the unacceptable lapse of welfare standards captured at North Moor Farm,” the company spokesperson added.

Cranswick has taken the step of suspending North Moor Farm from supplying any pigs until the ongoing investigation is concluded. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of the investigation.

In a swift response to the allegations, major British supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons have all announced the suspension of supplies from the implicated Cranswick farm. This coordinated action by leading retailers underscores the seriousness with which animal welfare concerns are treated by the industry and consumers.

The investigation will likely focus on the veracity of the footage and the extent of any welfare breaches. The outcome could have significant repercussions for Cranswick, potentially impacting its relationships with key customers and its overall market standing.

Original source: Reuters

Wemyss Bay Butcher Nigel Ovens Crowned World Haggis Champion

WEMYSS BAY, SCOTLAND – June 7, 2025 – Nigel Ovens, a renowned butcher from Wemyss Bay, has achieved the prestigious title of World Haggis Champion, further cementing his reputation in the Scottish meat industry. The accolade was awarded at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair held in Perth on Sunday.

According to Yahoo News UK, judges were highly impressed by Ovens’s haggis, praising it for its “meaty, with a coarse but moist texture” and its distinct “spicy peppery element.” This latest triumph adds to Ovens’s impressive record, as he previously secured the title of World Scotch Pie Champion at the Scotch Pie Awards.

Nigel Ovens attributed his success in the haggis competition to the dedication of his entire team. He noted that the championship title was a rewarding recognition for his 24-strong team at Wemyss Bay, whose consistent efforts ensure his haggis products are enjoyed by customers throughout the United Kingdom.

UK Cattle Prices Stall, Cow Values Climb Amidst Stable Sheep Market

The latest market analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) indicates a pause in the upward momentum of Great Britain’s deadweight cattle prices in the week ending May 3rd. While overall average prices for steers, heifers, and young bulls saw a marginal increase of less than a penny, the all-prime average rose by 0.8p/kg to reach 702p/kg. Following the disruption of two bank holiday weeks, estimated prime cattle slaughter rebounded significantly to 36,800 head, marking the highest throughput recorded so far this year.

Conversely, cow prices continued their upward trajectory. The overall average deadweight cow price increased by a further 6p/kg in the week ending May 3rd, settling at 538p/kg – a substantial £1.77/kg higher than the same period last year. This sustained rise in cow values, juxtaposed with the steadying prime cattle category, has narrowed the price gap between the two since the beginning of April. However, the current difference remains historically wide, highlighting the competitive pricing of cow beef in the market.

Kantar data reveals that actual retail volume sales of beef experienced growth throughout April, likely influenced by the timing of Easter. However, a weaker performance in March resulted in relatively stable year-on-year volumes for the 12 weeks leading up to April 20th (-0.3%). Average beef prices saw a 6% increase compared to the previous year, with notable growth in the value of steak and ready-to-cook categories. For context, the all-prime average deadweight cattle price was up by a significant 35% year-on-year over the same 12-week period.

The sheep market demonstrated greater stability in pricing during the week ending May 3rd, coinciding with an increase in throughput. The GB old season SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) remained at 686p/kg, down £1.39/kg compared to the same week last year. Deadweight sheep prices have deviated from typical seasonal trends in 2025, reflecting shifts in supply and demand, and values are now much closer to the five-year average. Estimated lamb slaughter saw a significant increase of over 12% from the previous week, reaching 244,300 head. This figure was notably higher than both the same week in 2024 and the five-year average.

From a demand perspective, the timing of Easter significantly boosted retail volume sales of lamb in April (Kantar). However, weaker sales in February and March led to an overall 8% year-on-year decrease in total lamb volumes for the 12 weeks to April 20th. Despite this annual decline, total lamb volume sales are relatively stable compared to the same period in 2023. An analysis by product and cut reveals that losses in processed lamb and added-value products offset gains in other cuts such as steaks and diced lamb.

Original source: AHDB

UK Secures Landmark Trade Deal with India, Opening Doors for British Lamb Exports

UNITED KINGDOM – June 7, 2025 – The United Kingdom has officially signed a significant trade agreement with India, a move expected to provide a substantial boost to various sectors, particularly British lamb exports. The deal, announced by the Department for Business and Trade, will see India dramatically reduce its tariffs on a wide range of goods.

The agreement covers 90% of all tariff lines, with an impressive 85% set to become entirely tariff-free within the next decade. This reduction in trade barriers is poised to unlock considerable opportunities for UK producers.

British lamb has been identified as a key agricultural product set to benefit significantly from this new accord. Tony Goodger, Head of Communications for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), hailed the tariff reductions on lamb exports to India as a “major win.” He anticipates robust demand for premium British lamb products, specifically mentioning celebrated geographical indications like Welsh PGI Lamb and Scotch PGI Lamb. The agreement also creates avenues for high-quality assured Halal lamb to serve India’s substantial Muslim population.

AIMS is actively seeking further clarification from the Department for Business and Trade regarding the future tariff status of UK pork and pet food exports to India, as these categories were not explicitly detailed in the initial announcements. The trade deal marks a pivotal moment for UK-India economic relations, aiming to foster greater trade and investment between the two nations.

Consumers are continuing to feel the pinch as meat price inflation remains stubbornly high, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Tracker Report for April 2025.

The report reveals that fresh meat prices have increased by a significant 11.53% compared to April 2024, with a further rise of 3.48% recorded in the last month alone.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, commenting on the concerning figures, stated, “Our report, which is based AHDB’s supermarket price tracker, and our own monitoring of the chicken market shows that meat price inflation is being driven by 12 months of steep rises across beef (+20.96%) and lamb (+19.92%) cuts.”

For consumers seeking more budget-friendly options, Mr. Goodger pointed to a notable exception in the market. “Consumers looking for the very best value should go for British farm assured chicken legs as they haven’t moved at all during the last month and are 5p/kg down (2.03%) year on year.”

He also highlighted some slight relief in the pork sector. “That said,” Mr. Goodger added, “British Pork cuts such as belly slices, tenderloin and mince have also dropped back slightly year on year. However, with the current hot weather and two bank holidays in quick succession I do expect demand for these lines to increase as households look to the barbecue for meal occasions.”

The AIMS report underscores the sustained pressure on household budgets due to escalating meat prices, particularly for beef and lamb. While chicken legs and certain pork cuts offer some respite, the overall trend indicates that meat price inflation remains a significant concern for consumers. The anticipated increase in demand for barbecue staples due to the upcoming warm weather and bank holidays could further influence prices in the short term.

Food Crime Unit Granted New Powers to Combat Food Fraud in England and Wales

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced that the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) now has expanded investigatory powers to tackle food fraud more effectively across England and Wales, effective from May 2, 2025.

These powers, granted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), allow the NFCU to operate with greater independence in the fight against serious food crime.

Key New Powers for the National Food Crime Unit

Under the new regulations, NFCU investigators can now:

• Apply for and execute search warrants independently, without relying on local police forces.

• Access and secure premises where food crime is suspected, enabling timely evidence gathering and prevention of material destruction.

These powers represent a significant step forward in allowing the NFCU to respond swiftly to food crime intelligence and progress investigations more efficiently.

“This is a major step forward in protecting the integrity of the UK food supply chain,” said a spokesperson for the FSA.

Why These Powers Matter

The NFCU was formed in 2015 following the Elliot Review into the 2013 horse meat scandal, with a mission to prevent, detect, and disrupt serious criminal activity in food supply chains. Until now, the unit had to depend on police and other agencies to carry out certain enforcement actions.

Benefits of the new powers include:

• Faster and more effective investigations into food crime.

• Greater consumer protection and support for legitimate food businesses.

• Reduced pressure on police resources, enabling them to focus on other priorities.

What Is Food Crime?

The FSA defines food crime as serious fraud involving the production, processing, distribution, or sale of food. Examples include:

• Adulteration – adding inferior or undeclared ingredients to food.

• Substitution – replacing quality ingredients with cheaper alternatives.

• Misrepresentation – false labelling or misleading claims about origin or quality.

• Use of stolen food – introducing stolen items into the supply chain.

• Illegal processing – operating outside of regulated slaughter or production rules.

• Waste diversion – reintroducing food waste into the supply chain illegally.

• Document fraud – falsifying records or traceability data.

How to Report Food Crime

The FSA urges members of the public and food industry professionals to report any suspicions to Food Crime Confidential:

• Phone (UK): 0800 028 1180

• Phone (International): +44 207 276 8787

• Online: Visit the FSA website

Strengthening Trust in the UK Food Chain

These enhanced powers mark a significant milestone in the UK’s food safety landscape. By empowering the NFCU to act independently, the FSA aims to further protect consumers, safeguard businesses, and ensure that the UK’s food supply chain remains trustworthy and transparent.

Original source: Food Standards Agency (FSA)

 

Tight Beef Supply Drives Deadweight Prices Sky High Across UK, Reports Farmers Weekly

UNITED KINGDOM – May 1, 2025 – The British beef sector is experiencing unprecedented price hikes, with deadweight cattle prices soaring by nearly 40% in just nine months due to a significant tightening of both international and domestic beef supplies. According to Farmers Weekly (FWI), the market is bracing for continued high prices.

Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the Welsh red meat promotion body, forecasts that deadweight prices will remain consistently above £7/kg, with weekly increases already being observed. This surge sees prime cattle deadweight prices in England and Wales now sitting an impressive £2/kg higher than during the same period last year.

The increase in prices is directly linked to reduced availability. For the first quarter of 2025, UK prime cattle throughput was down 3% year-on-year, indicating fewer animals coming to market.

This sharp rise in deadweight prices is inevitably impacting consumers, who are facing retail beef prices that have increased by approximately 20%. The dynamic underscores a challenging period for consumers, while producers potentially benefit from stronger returns, albeit within a constrained supply environment.

Red Tractor Launches Consultation on Tiered Welfare Standards for UK Pork

Red Tractor, the UK’s leading food assurance scheme, has opened a six-week consultation to gather feedback from pig producers on a proposed tiered welfare labelling system for UK pigmeat. The initiative aims to improve transparency for consumers, reduce audit burdens for farmers, and raise awareness of higher-welfare pork production.

Proposed Welfare Tiers for UK Pigmeat

Building on the success of the poultry tiering system introduced in 2020, Red Tractor’s new proposal introduces two voluntary welfare tiers for the British pig sector:

• Enhanced Welfare Tier: Covers pork from pigs that are either outdoor-bred or outdoor-reared, and finished indoors with extra space and a solid, bedded lying area.

• Free Range Tier: Applies to pork from pigs with continuous outdoor access throughout their lives.

Each tier will feature its own distinct Red Tractor label, helping consumers easily identify different welfare standards while maintaining the integrity of the core Red Tractor assurance.

Updates to Existing Standards

Alongside the new tiers, Red Tractor is also proposing minor updates to current pig welfare standards. These adjustments aim to align the scheme with other assurance programmes and reflect industry best practices. Changes will only be implemented with the support of the UK pig farming community.

Industry Backing and Long-Term Vision

Stewart Houston, Chair of the Red Tractor Pigs Sector Board, emphasised the benefits of the proposed tiered labelling system:

“This would offer a clearer, simpler way for members to communicate their welfare credentials. It empowers consumers to make more informed buying decisions and aligns existing pork welfare tiers under the Red Tractor brand.”

Houston highlighted that many pig producers already meet these proposed standards. The new labelling structure would help streamline compliance, reducing costs associated with audits and licensing.

Looking ahead, Red Tractor is also considering a ‘Certified Standards Plus’ tier focused on flexible farrowing systems, which provide reduced confinement for sows. This forward-thinking tier would allow the industry to proactively improve animal welfare without the need for restrictive legislation.

“This approach shows industry leadership, offering practical solutions that keep pace with evolving market expectations and societal concerns,” Houston added.

Original source: Farming UK