“Customers care about where their food comes from, about animal welfare and the farmer who produces their food. But they are also looking for affordability and good quality.” That was the message from Tom Hind, Agriculture Director at Tesco, when he spoke to Monmouthshire NFU Cymru members at the Annual County Conference recently.
Mr Hind explained, “Customers are our biggest critics. Understanding what makes them tick is a challenge for any retailer. It is all about the customer; they are key to what we do.”
In his address, Mr Hind talked about the changing nature of relationships between farmers and supermarkets and how building stronger, more direct relationships with farmers and growers was a cornerstone of Tesco’s agriculture plan.
“Tesco is making good progress in its commitment to building stronger relationships with producers, citing the creation of Sustainable Farming Groups covering beef, lamb, eggs, chicken and potatoes.”
In response, John Davies, NFU Cymru’s Deputy President said, “It is clear from some of those in the conference audience that Tesco’s direct milk suppliers are happy with the relationship they have with the retailer. However, there is much work needing to be done on other sectors, particularly beef and lamb.”
NFU Cymru’s local younger members were given the opportunity to have a separate meeting with Tom Hind on the same day.
Mr Hind told them that Tesco is now trying to use its scale to benefit young people in farming.
The Future Farmer Foundation was set up by Tesco in 2013 and one hundred individuals from across the UK are now part of it. As a result they will be equipped with the skills needed for the future.
Gary Yeomans, the newly elected Chairman for NFU Cymru in Monmouthshire said, “Thank you to Tom Hind for addressing the conference and our local younger members in a separate meeting. I would also like to thank HSBC bank for its generous sponsorship of the conference.”
