Retailer Lidl has today (21 March) committed to support British food and farming by signing up to the NFU's Back British Farming Charter.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has welcomed the commitment by Lidl UK, which has more than 630 stores across Britain.
The charter, launched in 2013, is at the centre of the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign that calls on a commitment from retailers, the food manufacturing industry, consumers and politicians to put farming at the heart of food production policies.
Lidl joins the likes of Co-op, Marks and Spencers, Aldi and Morrisons, who have also signed the pledge to help the British farming industry.
Christian Härtnagel, Lidl UK CEO, commented: “Our goal for the future is to continue to put best practice in sustainability firmly at the heart of the business, and supporting growth in the British farming sector is another crucial step in fulfilling that ambition.
“To ensure that we can always offer our customers the freshest, highest quality products at the best prices, it is imperative that we continue to support the British farming industry and further cultivate the strong relationships that we have with our suppliers.”
Commitment to British
NFU President Meurig Raymond said farmers will be 'delighted' that Lidl has pledged its support.
He said:“We are delighted that Lidl UK has pledged its support to the NFU’s Back British Farming Charter, highlighting a commitment to the future of the British farming industry.
“Independent surveys carried out by the NFU over the years, show that 86 per cent of shoppers want to buy more British food. Today’s pledge by Lidl UK shows customers that it is committed to providing high quality products which are associated with British agriculture.
“Our farmers and growers invest huge amounts of time, effort and resource to produce quality food which complies with leading animal health and welfare and environmental standards. To produce more food, farmers and growers need the support of retailers like Lidl UK to allow them to do their job. Our charter calls for a commitment to put British farming at the heart of food production policies and decision making.
“For every £1 invested in farming, it gives £7.40 back to the nation. British farming is the bedrock of the nation’s food and drink industry - the largest manufacturing sector in the UK – worth £108 billion and providing jobs for nearly 4 million people.”
