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mark thake
STYLE 5 22.09.08.ai
Lovers of Dartmoor’s iconic landscape can now ‘taste the view’ by purchasing prime lamb from a number of Morrisons stores in the South West, including Tavistock. The new initiative sources lamb from the Dartmoor Farmers’ Association, whose members farm within the Dartmoor National Park area. The association was formed in 2007 with the support of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and facilitated by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project to promote the link between upland livestock production and the benefits it delivers for the area’s landscape and wildlife.
Livestock reared on the farms are predominately native breeds able to withstand the extremes of weather experienced during a typical year on Dartmoor. Many are born on the hill and grazed on semi-natural habitats, producing a wonderfully pure product with a superior flavour and texture to the meat. Studies, including one by Professor Henry Buller at Exeter University, have proven that livestock fed on natural bio-diverse grass diets results in a leaner meat with higher nutritional value, good fats and antioxidants.
Matt Cole of DFA said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Morrisons and provide local people with the opportunity to support us by purchasing our lamb, as well as make an investment in conserving the landscape and communities of the national park. Farming in an upland area is challenging but delivers so many benefits in addition to the production of quality meat.”
Members of the association are involved in agri-environment schemes and sign up to reduce food miles and ensure traceability. They also seek to share their skills and knowledge with future generations of farmers to deliver a sustainable farming future and develop opportunities to engage with the public through on-farm events.