The backlash over processed food in the wake of the horse meat scandal is proving to have a beneficial effect on farmers, with an increase in demand for beef from trusted sources.

Butchers and abattoirs are reporting a rise in customer confidence, which is having a knock on effect at auction in terms of the higher volumes of livestock being sold.

Bob Mosley, one of the partners at Cornish agricultural auctioneers Lodge and Thomas, said the effect on butchers had been “noticeable.”

He told South West Farmer: “Chatting to them after the auction, they have found more interest in the last week in their products and identifiable beef cuts, as opposed to mince.

“I think definitely there is a resurgence or increase in volume through butchers. We’re very fortunate to have quite a number of butchers who buy direct from us.

“Although there is a slight stigma from all of this, I hope it will drive people to have more ‘proper’ food rather than processed food and buy it from places where they can trust.”

Mr Mosley said it was difficult to comment on the effect on sale prices, as these were already strong, but added: “I think it will affect prices and proportion of meat that goes through butchers than supermarkets, and that’s really encouraging from a farmer point of view.

“That’s where they’ll get their best trade and not be beaten down on prices by businesses bigger than them.”