Morrisons, a key player in the supermarket sector, has announced a substantial investment of £1.4 billion aimed at bolstering British agriculture in 2025. This initiative is being introduced ahead of schedule with a supplementary 5% discount for farmers, applicable both in stores and online.
The 5% discount offer targets Morrisons’ livestock suppliers, covering lamb, beef, and pork producers, alongside egg farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, and those involved in the dairy sector with existing Morrisons contracts. This gesture forms part of a broader commitment from the supermarket giant, which already provides various business support measures, such as long-term agreements and financial flow assistance.
Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive of Morrisons, expressed solidarity with British farmers, acknowledging their crucial role in sustaining the nation’s food supply. He remarked, “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.”
The commitment of £1.4 billion was further justified in light of the recent Budget, reinforcing Morrisons’ dedication to maintaining enduring business relationships through contracts, schemes for managing cashflows, and offering tangible industry aid.
Additionally, the ‘For Farmers’ range at Morrisons has facilitated consumer support for food producers, having raised over £25 million so far. Products in this range, which presently includes milk, eggs, cheese, and cream, have encouraged more consumers to back British farming directly, with expansion plans for more items in the near future.
In a notable move last month, Morrisons expanded its Chuckle Eggs range with the introduction of a white egg pack. This product is part of a larger initiative wherein 6p is allocated back to farmers for every half dozen eggs sold as a further testament to Morrisons’ ongoing support for the agricultural sector.
Morrisons’ early release of their £1.4 billion investment strategy and associated discounts underscores their proactive stance in supporting British agriculture. This commitment not only fortifies relationships with local farmers but also enhances customer involvement in backing sustainable and local farming practices.