Farming Minister Jim Paice launches Great British Beef Week at Westminster

Now in its second year, GBBW is organised by Ladies in Beef – an organisation formed to help promote and drive awareness of the quality and versatility of British beef to consumers - this is done using a countrywide network of dynamic lady beef ‘champions’.

The aim of GBBW is to encourage people across the UK to ensure that delicious Red Tractor assured British beef is on the menu. This year, Ladies in Beef are on a mission to raise funds for the national Help for Heroes charity which aims to provide better facilities for British servicemen and women wounded in action.

There has again been widespread support across the industry from livestock markets to independent butchers. Major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons have also agreed to add their weight to the initiative by carrying special on-pack logos. Mr Paice said: “With the world’s population growing fast, Britain’s got huge opportunities to export our high quality beef and breeding stock to the world.

“I fully support the valuable work being done by Ladies in Beef to generate growth in the industry, which will go hand in hand with all the work this Government is doing to rebuild confidence and respect for British farming.”

Minette Batters, Ladies in Beef co-founder, said: “We have very little resource and not much time to spare but what we do have is a determined group of women who are passionate about creating a sustainable future for British beef. Great British Beef Week was established not only to raise awareness of the industry, but the vital role livestock production plays in the management of our beautiful countryside.

“Help for Heroes is Ladies in Beef chosen charity, so not only is it a very deserving cause but also a great way of promoting British beef. Livestock auction marts and butchers have been busy fundraising and we have again had a fantastic response from most supermarkets which shows just how much they understand what we’re trying to achieve.

“Great British beef is delicious, versatile and great value. It can be bought from your local butchers, farm shop or supermarket and is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a large gathering with family and friends or looking for a quick, simple and low-cost meal option at home.”

Robert Dunk, sales manager at Massey Ferguson UK and Ireland, said: “Massey Ferguson is a leading farm machinery manufacturer in the agricultural industry and has supported the Red Tractor scheme since its inception. We regularly assist the team at special events where we use our own life-size red tractors to attract consumers’ attention and help explain the huge efforts farmers put in to producing food to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

“We are delighted to help promote Great British Beef Week with the loan of an MF 5450 tractor and fully support the Ladies in Beef initiative. There are thousands of Massey Ferguson tractors working in the livestock sector – an area which makes a huge contribution to the UK’s agricultural output.”

To help inspire people to get cooking with beef, the Ladies in Beef have created a variety of mouth-watering recipes which can be found on the website www.greatbritishbeef.co.uk. There is something for everyone from roast beef and Yorkshire puddings to beef chilli and beef and beer casserole.