Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru’s local AM for Ceredigion, has called on supermarkets and the Welsh Government to do more to promote Welsh lamb.

Lamb prices have dropped by around 20 per cent compared with the same period last year as total farm income continues to plummet. The price of liveweight new season lamb fell by around 35p/Kg in June 2015.

Plaid Cymru will also be holding a debate in the Senedd next week, which will call on the Welsh Government to utilise the Rural Development Programme to provide immediate support for those most affected and to protect farmers from the volatility of the global markets by strengthening domestic supply chains.

Elin Jones, local AM for Ceredigion, said: “The sharp fall in lamb prices is having a serious effect on farm incomes locally. It also comes at the same time as the dairy sector is depressed. Short-term global factors – including exchange rate fluctuations which have led to a rise in imports – are taking their toll.

“Hybu Cig Cymru has this week announced an accelerated marketing campaign, but the big shops could do more to give prominent positions and branding to home-grown produce.

“Supermarkets have a duty of care to their suppliers and they need to recognise that the sector is struggling. When the boot was on the other foot during the horsemeat scandal the suppliers stood by the supermarkets – it is now incumbent on the supermarkets to show the same loyalty.”