In honour of Great British Beef Week 2024, from Tuesday, April 23 to Tuesday, April 30, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is bringing consumers behind the farm gate to strengthen their connection with where their beef comes from.
UFU president, David Brown said that through a wide range of different media formats, from videos to articles, the UFU is inviting consumers to experience life on a beef farm.
Mr. Brown said that farmers across NI produce “safe, nutritious, climate friendly meat” that supports a thriving rural economy, but it is important to recognise the farmers behind the products.
However, many consumers are not connected to farms and do not realise the resilience that is required when it comes to sustaining a farm business.
This stresses the need to create a personal connection through events, according to the president.
The president added: “We hope this will help consumers to value local produce and encourage them to choose NI Farm Quality Assured Beef when buying, and also to consider their choices when eating out.”
Mr. Brown will be taking part in a quick-fire question and answer session, while Gemma McCorry is featuring in the UFU women in agriculture profile.
A UFU Next Generation member will be conducting an Instagram beef takeover, while UFU policy officer, Kellie Rouse will be breaking down the Carbon Reduction Scheme.
The UFU is working with Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) to promote NI Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) beef, and chief executive Colin Smith said that the beef farming is the “heart” of agriculture.
LMC will be hosting retail samplings, where a chef will be preparing and cooking beef dishes, with samples available for those in attendance.
The retail sampling will be in Asda, Antrim on Friday, April 26 and in Asda, Portadown on Saturday, April 27 and it will begin at 11:30a.m both days.