Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, said: "The future of British agriculture cannot rest on industry alone. That's why we are backing our farmers in their call for Government to step up 鈥� starting with a clear, legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is grown here. It's time to turn warm words into action."
A retailer has urged Government to back British farmers by setting ambitious and legal targets which puts into practice the Government's quoted slogan that 'food security is national security'.
Launching its 'Plan A for Farming' on Monday (September 8), M&S said it is amplifying calls from farmers for Government to urgently step up agricultural support as part of a national food strategy by seeking a legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that's grown or reared on farms across the UK.
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The plan听sets out M&S' 'ambitions' to create a sustainable British farming industry which goes further in supporting farmers to deliver exceptional quality food over the next five years.
To achieve that aim, the retailer has established four key priorities as part of its commitment to back British farmers and food producers who work tirelessly to feed the nation.
This includes a pledge to source 100% British across key products such as beef, chicken, pork and milk, with all British products available on shelves will come from farms using regenerative practices by 2030.听
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Additionally, the retailer said it will continue to collaborate with and support farmers to deliver industry-leading animal welfare, quality, and farming standards by 2030, as well as supporting farmers in key supply chains over the long-term, including fair pricing and contracts that give farmers confidence for the future.
Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, has now placed pressure on Government to turn 'warm words into action' to deliver on the sector's high ambitions to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is UK-grown and reared to galvanise action.
He added such targets, like the ones Government has set on issues such as reaching Net Zero, could help 'tilt the balance' in farmers' favour.
"British food is the best in the world and at M&S, we have invested millions to support our farmers who produce it," Mr Freudmann added.
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"But the future of British agriculture cannot rest on industry alone.
"That's why we are backing our farmers in their call for Government to step up 鈥� starting with a clear, legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is grown here.
"It is time to turn warm words into action."
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