Discount supermarket Lidl has signed a pledge confirming its commitment to British food and farming.
The supermarket, which has more than 630 stores across Britain, has signed up to the NFU’s Back British Farming Charter.
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 is a strong supporter of some British pork products, generally scoring 100% or close to it on British pork and sausages in the regular Porkwatch surveys. It scores less well on bacon and ham, however.
NFU President Meurig Raymond 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.
“We thank Lidl UK for its commitment and wish to see other food processors and manufacturers, and politicians taking the Back British Farming message seriously.”
“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.