NFU Cymru has launched a new initiative urging shoppers to #Buy5 items of Welsh produce and support ‘real’ Welsh farm businesses.

In recent weeks NFU Cymru has been working to highlight retailers’ use of ‘fake farm’ brands that can confuse or mislead shoppers about the country of origin of the food products they are buying.

The new #Buy5 campaign encourages shoppers to support real life Welsh farms and prioritise Welsh produce by buying five items of Welsh food and drink when they visit the shops, local market, farmers’ market or butcher.

Shoppers are asked to take a photo of five Welsh food and drink items they have purchased and share the image on social media using the #Buy5 and #BackWelshFarming hashtags.

All qualifying entries will be automatically entered into a prize draw and the winner, selected at random, will receive a hamper filled with Welsh produce. The competition will run until Sunday, October 2.

NFU Cymru is encouraging shoppers to download the ‘It’s Time to Back Welsh Farming Buying Guide’ to support them in their quest to #Buy5 over the next five weeks. The guide, available at www.nfu-cymru.org.uk, features handy hints and tips on the logos and labels to look out for to ensure you’re buying Welsh.

NFU Cymru Deputy President John Davies has been a passionate campaigner against retailers’ use of ‘fake farm’ brands and brought the issue to the attention of a prime time audience when he raised the topic on Countryfile. He said the #Buy5 campaign was a great way to support real Welsh farm businesses.

“A lot of Welsh produce, such as PGI Welsh lamb, for example, is hitting its seasonal best and we want to demonstrate that there’s a real demand and appetite from consumers to purchase Welsh food and drink. Whether you’re picking up Welsh lamb, beef, milk, yoghurt, cheese, cider, Pembrokeshire Early potatoes, Halen Môn salt or other Welsh produce, send us your snaps and show your support for the industry.”

The #Buy5 social media competition will run on Facebook and Twitter until Sunday, October 2. Visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk for more information, including competition terms and conditions.