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2 November 2000 Army takes delivery of Welsh lamb _BY FWI STAFF_ THE armed forces are taking delivery of their first consignment of Welsh lamb following a dispute over military reluctance to

purchase more home-produced meat. The lamb is part of an order by the Ministry of Defence for up to 200 tonnes of British lamb this year – about 20% of its total requirements. Farmers were

incensed by reports earlier this year that the MoD sourced only one per cent of all its lamb purchases from Britain. As a result, some farmers refused access to their land for an Army

exercise, which later had to be transferred to Scotland. The Farmers Union of Wales was heavily involved in negotiations with the Ministry of Defence over many months to secure a contract

for Welsh lamb. Sîon Aron, FUW commodities officer, said: “This is a welcome development by the MoD, which has come about as a result of pressure exerted by farmers.” “As far as the FUW is

concerned, our soldiers only deserve the best – and the best is produced right here in Wales.” Mr Aron said he hoped the proportion of British lamb and beef served to the armed forces will

increase still further in the years to come. * Farmers force army to cancel training, FWi, 13 April, 2000 * Welsh rebel over forces buying, FWi, 23 February, 2000 * Buy British, or get off

our land, RAF told, FWi, 18 February, 2000 * Buy British, Gill urges forces, FWi, 09 January, 2000 * Sheep farmers shoot down RAF, FWi, 18 February, 1999 * Farmers protest at foreign meat

for forces, FWi, 19 January, 1998 * Soldiers banned from farmland, FWi, 14 January, 1998