Lidl GB announces £30 billion investment in British Farming
By Robert Blair, Partner and ARA specialist
Lidl GB has announced it will be investing over £30 billion in British farms over the next five years, which strengthens its commitment to British produce and supporting the agricultural sector.
The investment will see Lidl GB support a number of essential food categories like fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and poultry.
A positive investment for farmers
The news of Lidl GB’s significant investment will be good news for British farmers, who will hope this is a springboard to generating more revenue after a challenging couple of years.
The £30 billion investment from Lidl GB is a 100 per cent increase on their original commitment and will be gradually introduced.
The full amount will be invested by 2030 and support over 650 of its farms and suppliers.
Lidl GB’s pledge will also see a commitment to the LEAF Marque certification across all its British fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, with the LEAF logo to appear on all fresh British produce from next year.
This will see Lidl GB advocate responsible farming practices that will help promote soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare.
The investment will also continue to provide support for sustainability projects like UK Food and Drink Pact Water (WRAP), which is looking to address any concerns with the UK’s water supply.
Speaking about Lidl GB’s investment plans, its Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Bourns, said, “This investment is a clear, long-term commitment to British farmers and growers – a commitment that places British food and farming at the heart of our growth plans, ensuring we continue to offer our customers the quality British products they demand.
”By backing British, we aim to provide over 650 British suppliers the confidence and security to invest in their own businesses, laying the foundations for sustainable future growth.
“Our success is rooted in the brilliance of the suppliers we work with, and we’re extremely proud of the growth we’ve achieved together.
“As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain, we remain focused on providing our customers with exceptional quality at market-leading prices, with these long-term partnerships underpinning our promise.”
British beef investment will support farmers
As part of its £30 billion pledge, Lidl GB will be expanding its Sustainable Beef Group. This will see the beef sector in the UK receive an additional £1.5 billion in funding.
Lidl GB will work directly with beef farmers on several initiatives, including cutting carbon intensity, improving herd performance and farm profitability.
The deal provides new opportunities and will continue to champion British produce and support important sustainable projects.
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