New Zealand lamb is once again in the UK spotlight, with calls for a review of our EU quota.

Britain's National Farmers Union said we've moved from sending frozen lamb to chilled lamb - which is able to compete head-to-head with local meat.

But Beef and Lamb boss Scott Champion said the proportion of chilled product we send is only about 28% of our total EU quota.

His view is that the quota is very important to New Zealand and the UK.

"Bringing counter-seasonal supply, that is we supply product into that market when domestic producers can't, is really important because it keeps product in front of consumers throughout the year."

Central Hawke's Bay farmer Steve Wyn-Harris said there's been constant agitation over New Zealand lamb going into their supermarkets.

"Our argument has always been that we fill in their off-season, that allows the consumer to buy lamb throughout the whole year rather than just having it as a seasonal product."

He said our product is not meant to compete against UK farmers.

However, British farmers say the lamb market has tipped in New Zealand's favour, forcing prices for their own products down.

The chairman of the National Farmers' Union Scotland livestock committee, Charlie Adam, wants authorities to look at the timing of supply as well.

"I don't think we were trying to steal a march, we were just trying to have an even playing field."

"We think it would be worth looking at to see if it is the even playing field it was in the past."