Over two thirds of young people in Northern Ireland recognise the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIFQAS) logo. That is one of the findings from a survey of school children aged 13-18 that was conducted by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) during its latest programme of school cookery demonstrations.

The survey highlighted that over 70% of students believe it is important to buy beef and lamb that has been produced in Northern Ireland. Over half of students surveyed believe it is important to be able to trace their beef and lamb from farm to fork, to support local farmers and to ensure beef and lamb is produced to a high standard  These same students recognized the importance of eating nutritious food such as beef and lamb.

Cherrie Kenny LMC Education Services Manager said “Now more than ever it is important that we can continue to educate our young people about incorporating Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb into a healthy balanced diet. I believe the LMC cookery demonstrations are playing a vital role in this process in Northern Ireland. To date some 84,000 students in over 2,300 separate demonstrations in schools across Northern Ireland have benefited from the programme and received advice about ‘Keeping Food Safe’,  and ‘Creativity and Food’. We hope all of the students benefit from this learning experience and that each session provides a valuable resource for teachers to reinforce classroom activities and learning.

“These demonstrations also help consumers understand the quality products of our industry and by providing this shop window we assist our farmers and processors in the marketing of our products from Farm to Fork.”

Key survey findings highlight:-          All of the secondary school children surveyed believe that red meat can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet-          88% recognise red meat as an excellent source of iron-          76% eat red meat at least once a week-          76% of young people consider a balanced diet and regular exercise essential for a healthy lifestyle-          53% of school children carry out at least half an hour of physical activity more than 3 times per week-          60% sometimes helping out with the cooking

Mrs Kenny continued, “Educating young consumers on the merits of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb and where to find it sets a course for long-term sales growth. We aim to encourage our young chefs to integrate the quality and versatility of our locally produced Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb into their home cooking. We also want to remind consumers to look out for the NIFQAS logo as it provides assurances about quality, safety and traceability. If you can’t find the logo simply ask your butcher or retailer if their beef or lamb is Farm Quality Assured.For further information please visit: www.lmcni.com

ENDSFor Further Information please contactLyn Sheridan or Katrina Frazer at Aiken PR on 028 90 663000or email firstname@aikenpr.com