Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy lamb, with locally produced meat available after a summer grazing fields across Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union, as part of a UK-wide campaign, is encouraging consumers to celebrate everything that is good about this tasty meat as part of #LoveLambWeek, from 1 to 7 September.
Lamb is versatile, delicious and easy to cook says the UFU hill farming chairman Ian Buchanan who produces lamb near Dungiven. “Northern Ireland produces some of the best quality lamb and it is recognised as such, particularly in export markets. However, here at home, lamb is often overlooked for other types of meat. We want to see that change,” he said.
UFU beef and lamb chairman Crosby Cleland, who farms in Co. Down, backs that view. “Consumers are increasingly interested in provenance and buying local. Since sheep are a fundamental part of Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry, eating lamb is an excellent and tasty way to support local farmers,” he said.
To tempt the appetites of local consumers, the UFU will be at Belfast City Hall on Tuesday, 6 September, handing out tasty, freshly made, free samples of lamb dishes, including a not to be missed lamb curry and easy lamb pita pockets.
The programme was launched in 2015 by Cumbrian farmer Rachel Lumley. The campaign has now been taken up more widely, using the Twitter name @LoveBritishLamb, and the hashtag #LoveLambWeek 2016.
Commenting on the 2016 programme she said: “I have been overwhelmed by the support from UK sheep farmers and the scope we have to get our message out to the general public. With local events hosted by farmers themselves and involvement from butchers, local pubs and restaurants the week aims to highlight that September is peak season for home-produced lamb.”
For ideas of tasty, easy and fun lamb recipes visit:
www.simplybeefandlamb/LoveLambWeek
#lovelambweek
