M&S came under fire from Irish farmers last week when the ban on food imports from the UK, imposed because of the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey, led to empty shelves in stores across the Republic. In its flagship store on Dublin's fashionable Grafton Street, blinds were pulled down on shelves that usually displayed meat products and a notice informed customers that because of import restrictions "we are experiencing shortages on some of our products. Please accept our apologies," it added, "we are working to resolve them." But the Republic's farmers were far from impressed. They demanded to know why there should be shortages when Irish produce was available. "If Ireland is to keep farming, then it is essential that supermarkets buy locally," said Gabriel Gilmartin, deputy chairman of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association. "If our money is good enough for UK multiples, and Irish customers are buying their products, they have a responsibility to buy local and to buy Irish." The other main organisation, the Irish Farmers' Association, made a similar point. "The current foot and mouth outbreak underlines the importance of food security," said a spokesman, "and why it is vital, for both consumers and retailers, to keep as many farmers viable as possible." But he added that the Irish agriculture minister, Mary Coughlan, should explain why, if imports from Britain were banned, beef was allowed in from Brazil, where foot and mouth was widespread, and why she was not opposing such imports into the EU. A spokeswoman for M&S said they were working with Irish suppliers to fill "gaps" on prepared meals and sandwiches. The chain sourced all its fresh beef from Irish suppliers, she claimed, as well as 100% of its lamb, when in season. Sales of Irish-sourced products had increased by 53% in the last year.

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