Amid growing concerns about how last week’s Budget will have a negative impact on already squeezed farmers, Morrisons has announced that it is committing over £1.4bn yearly into the industry.
The retailer is bringing forward support planned for December by offering a 5% discount for farmers to use in its stores and online. The “gesture of appreciation” extends to all Morrisons’ livestock suppliers, egg farmers, and fruit & veg growers who supply the grocer directly, and dairy farmers with a Morrisons contract.
As British farming’s single biggest direct customer, Morrisons package of business support for the industry already includes long-term contracts and cash flow programmes.
Its ‘For Farmers’ range, which includes milk, eggs, cheese and cream, also enables its customers to give back directly to food producers and has raised over £25m to date. Additional products are set to be considered for the range in the coming months.
The group’s CEO, Rami Baitiéh, said: “Now and always, we stand shoulder to shoulder with British farmers; some of the unsung heroes of our society, growing and providing home-grown food, which we all benefit from every day. As British farming’s single biggest direct customer and in light of the recent Budget, our £1.4bn investment in UK farming demonstrates our core commitment to long-term relationships through contracts, cashflow schemes and practical industry support.”
