The NFU believes in clear unambiguous labelling to enable shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions. The principles of food labelling law are that information must not mislead consumers and it must be accurate, clear and easy to understand. By introducing a mandatory production labelling system to meat and dairy products sold within the UK, the NFU believe there is a risk of causing confusion for consumers and the implementation of such a system would carry an unreasonable burden to farming businesses
Welfare: The NFU commissioned a report on animal welfare which was published in February 2018. The summary highlighted that the UK “offers some of the best animal welfare in the world” and has “one of the most comprehensive and robust legal frameworks protecting animal welfare, and a significant number of credible quality assurance and welfare schemes and/or initiatives.” High welfare can, and should, be maintained in all systems; method of production labelling is not an indication of welfare.
Complexities: Labelling each production system is not straightforward and animals can spend time in different systems. Variations can occur due to breeding, seasonal variations, or a requirement to house for welfare reasons. Animals may also move between farms to ensure the environment is suitable for their stage in the production cycle.
Consumers: Consumers identify with wanting high welfare produce, but when making purchasing decisions about livestock products, this represents only one of many considerations. Price often comes out as the primary factor when making their purchasing decision.
Conclusion: The NFU wants labelling systems to improve, but feel that mandatory production labelling over-simplifies a complex area and does not believe that a system of specific mandatory production or welfare labelling should be introduced
For more information members can read the NFU briefing here (you will be asked to log in)