Preseli lamb is now on the menu (From Western Telegraph)

Preseli lamb is now on the menu

Locally produced Preseli lamb branded as such for the first time, will be in the shops soon thanks to an initiative from local farmers and support from the Environment Development Fund (EDF).

A group of farmers who graze the Preseli Hills have come together to sell their lambs wider under the Preseli Lamb brand.

At this traumatic time for the farming community members of the Preseli Graziers Marketing Group have decided to go directly to the consumer with a product renowned for its high quality.

Marketing group chairman Llinos Davies, of Brynberian, said: 'Although farmers are having an extremely tough time at the moment, we have a top quality product which we know the public will want to buy.

'This group will help us to get our lambs directly to the customers.

'The Preseli Hills have been grazed for hundreds of years and such grazing practices have created a very special landscape which is of European significance for nature conservation.

'We are determined the traditional management of the hills will continue despite all the problems. Hill farming is the backbone of our communities and we must do everything to safeguard it for the future.'

Funding has been provided by the Environment Development Fund - a scheme created by the National Assembly for Wales to promote sustainable development that is managed locally by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

David Fletcher, EDF officer, commented: 'This is an exciting project that demonstrates wonderful initiative and determination by a community facing extreme pressures at the present time. I am pleased the EDF has been able to support a scheme which is helping to raise awareness of and promote environmental sustainability.'

Also assisting the group are Pembrokeshire County Council, agricultural self-help group Cwysi and the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative. The group will be attending the Welsh Food Fair at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, on Friday and Saturday, where they will be selling their produce.

Preseli lamb is currently available from local butchers Ken Davies, of Crymych, on 01239 831978, and T. G. Davies and Son, of Newport, Pembrokeshire, on 01239 820246.