ASDA has become the first British supermarket to ditch imported carrots and sell British-grown carrots all year round.
The retailer had originally aimed to be 100% self-sufficient in British carrots from next season, but favourable weather and good management by Scottish growers has resulted in the target being met a year early.
In the past three years, Asda has worked with growers in Angus, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire to extend the home-grown carrot season from 46 weeks/year to 52 weeks. It now sells 38,000t of British carrots each year.
John Shoesmith, Asda's produce manager, said: "By working closely with growers we have developed a partnership that has delivered real benefits to farmers and customers alike.
"It is a testament to all their hard work that this year we have reached our target of becoming 100% self-sufficient."
Those producing carrots for Asda in Scotland, where the growing season is longer due to the colder climate, are paid on a cost-plus basis, guaranteeing that prices are based on the true cost of production.
The scheme also underwrites the risks associated with growing carrots outside the normal season and rewards producers for increases in yield and quality.
New growers, capable of lifting in excess of 100t of carrots/day, are still being sought in Angus, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire.
