Tesco has signed up to a pledge to back British fruit and vegetable growers, becoming the latest retailer to show commitment to the British farming industry.
The pledge, created by the NFU, is a charter of best business practice that calls on retailers to back British growers and offer suppliers a fairer share of risk and reward.
Amongst its commitments, the UK’s biggest retailer has pledged to create long-term partnerships with its growers.
It also offers greater price certainty to growers – for a season or on a specified volume of produce, with no unexpected or imposed changes - and plan promotional activity in advance with growers.
Other big retailers to have signed the Fruit and Veg Pledge include Lidl, who signed it back in July 2016 and Co-Op, who signed it in September 2016. Aldi have also signed the pledge.
However, Tesco remains the only retailer amongst the so-called "Big-Four" to have signed the pledge. Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons have yet to sign it.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said it is "fantastic news" that Tesco have showed the commitment.
“British farmers produce the food which helps to feed the nation and it is positive to see Tesco recognise that fact, committing to values that ensure fairness for the farmer and the supply chain,” Mr Raymond explained.
“By offering this vital certainty and commitment, Tesco’s suppliers of fruit and veg will be in a stronger position to invest in their business, plan for the future, boost productivity and compete in a global marketplace. By signing up to the pledge, Tesco is telling suppliers it has started the journey of delivering ever higher standards of business integrity, which we are very proud of.
“With surveys showing that 90% of the public think farming is important to the UK economy and that 89% think it is important to have a productive farming industry, it is timely for Tesco to publicly show their support for British farmers.”
