The deal could bring to an end a long-running row in which Welsh farmers have refused to let the army use their land for training unless the MoD buys their meat.

Some 20 tonnes of Welsh lamb loin has now been bought by the MoD as part of a year-long deal which will see them buying 180 to 200 tonnes of Welsh lamb to feed British forces.

The meat has been supplied by the Oriel Jones and Son company of Llanybydder in west Wales.

The news means that the M.o.D. now gets 20% of its lamb from Wales. Previously, it only took lamb from overseas.

Exercise given chop

"We welcome the start of this contract which follows lengthy discussions last September between the NFU, Meat and Livestock Commission and the M.o.D," said President of NFU Cymru Wales Hugh Richards.

"We are glad that our efforts have paid off and hope to see the size of the order increased soon. We are now awaiting the outcome of the negotiations on beef and I hope that the optimism of September will shortly be fulfilled.

"It is about time that farmers had some return for their goodwill in allowing British troops to train on their land," he added.

In May, an army exercise planned for mid Wales had to be moved because farmers refused permission to use their land.