The retailer’s agriculture manager, Pearce Hughes, said 100 per cent of loins sold in Asda stores will be British, as will boned out leg joints and all half legs.
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said: “I’m delighted that ASDA has recognised the value of supporting British livestock producers by sourcing more British lamb and deciding to put it front and centre in their stores and promoting it to their customers, but this must go hand in hand with a fair and sustainable price to farmers.
“Current values are making it extremely difficult for sheep farmers to make any margin on lamb - this knocks confidence and an ability to invest in the business and in future production. We want to see Asda and other retailers using greater volumes of British lamb in ready and frozen meals, as well as innovating to promote other cuts.
“Great tasting British lamb is in peak season and available. We know the public want to buy this great British product so it is vitally important at this time of year to give clearly-labelled, home-grown lamb pride of place, when there is a good, affordable and fresh supply on our doorstep.”