Mrs Batters will be among the keynote speakers at a conference looking at the next steps for UK food labelling policy and opportunities post-Brexit.
The Westminster Forum in central London today (Tuesday) is taking place in the context of uncertainty over the future for domestic food labelling policy once we leave the EU.
She said: “With Brexit on the horizon clear country of origin labelling has never been so important. We know more British people want more British food on their plates. A recent survey found 64% of shoppers say they ‘always’ or ‘occasionally’ look out for British produce so it is vital customers know what they are purchasing.
“It is clear that some retailers and manufacturers feel origin is important by going above what is required in law and through voluntary principles. However the inconsistency of voluntary commitment can sometimes be the source of confusion among shoppers.
“According to a YouGov survey 81% of UK adults think that online food retailers should provide the same amount of information about the product’s country of origin on the website as there is on the food packaging in store. We also believe that it is good practice for retailers selling online to identify British products on the listing page with a British flag, which makes British products easily identifiable. A British ‘filter button would give online shoppers the ability to easily choose British products.
“The importance of our protected food names – under PGI and PDO status – is also crucial for protecting and promoting our iconic food provenance; foods such as Stilton, West Country farmhouse cheddar, Welsh beef and Welsh lamb, when potentially we could have more imported product coming onto our market, particularly in meat and milk processed products.
“I am proud to be a British farmer and I want this articulated at the shelf edge so consumers can make an informed choice to the food they are buying.
“The NFU will continue to work with everyone throughout the food supply chain to ensure that customers are given clear and unambiguous information about where their food comes from.”