Retailer Marks & Spencer has renewed its commitment to the agricultural industry and launched a new “Plan A” for farming with a focus on British sourcing, sustainability, high standards, and resilience.
As part of its five-year-plan, M&S has reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing 100% British beef, chicken, pork, and eggs, whether fresh or ingredient – and made £7m available to support farmers.
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“British farming is the backbone of our food industry and the foundation of M&S Food,” said Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food.
“British food is the best in the world and at M&S, we’ve invested millions to support our farmers who produce it.”
Investing in farmers
Strengthening its partnership with 10,000 British farms, M&S says it will fund insight and advice for farmers to implement regenerative practises, improve resilience, reduce carbon footprints and deliver the best British food.
The £7m of support will include £4.5m for ongoing investment and collaboration with farmers, on top of the cost of goods or cost of production.
An additional £2.5m will be made available in grants through the Plan A Accelerator Fund to support innovation projects tackling agricultural emissions.
By 2030, 100% of M&S British products are also set to come from farms using regenerative practices, and it will work with farmers to develop new industry leading standards for beef and milk.
Government urged to act
However, the retail giant added that government must also take action.
“The future of British agriculture can’t rest on industry alone. That’s why we’re backing our farmers in their call for government to step up,” said Mr Freudman.
The retailer said there are actions the government can take as part of its Food Strategy to support farmers, including a clear, legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is grown here.
“It’s time to turn warm words into action,” added Mr Freudman.
M&S further called on the Labour government to simplify government grants and reflect the UK’s high national standards in the food it imports and trade deals it makes.
Industry approval
The NFU said it was good to see retailers championing British farmers, particularly at a time when so many farm businesses are facing huge challenges.
M&S’s support, it added, will be a “confidence boost” to many Union president Tom Bradshaw said.