Following the decision made by the UK-wide supermarket chain Asda to back out of a commitment made in October to stock exclusively British beef, Samuel Kurtz MS has written to the company’s CEO asking him to reconsider the ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘frustrating’ move.
Mr Kurtz, who is also the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs and the son of a beef farmer himself, spoke of his deep concern at the company’s decision to drop their commitment to British farmers by stocking meat sourced from outside Britain.
However, Kurtz wasn’t alone in his criticism, National Beef Association (NBA) chief executive Neil Shand said he was "deeply disappointed" by Asda's choice.
Speaking about the matter, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Asda’s decision to renegade on their commitment to hardworking British farmers is deeply disappointing.
“As the son of a beef farmer, I understand first-hand the need for our British supermarkets to continue to support British farmers by flying the flag for our domestic produce. With supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Morrison’s abiding by this commitment, Asda’s decision is out of kilter.
“Not only is fresh British beef reared to one of the highest food standards in the world, but by sourcing within Britain, supermarket chains can offer consumers a low-carbon alternative to meat imported from countries that are thousands of miles away.
“Having written to Asda, it’s now important they reassess the situation and go on to reverse their decision by upholding their original promise to farmers and redoubling their efforts in supporting our agricultural industry.”
