Lidl announces £1.5bn investment in British beef farms
26th July 2024
Lidl has committed to invest £1.5 billion into the British beef industry over the next five years.
The retailer has partnered with meat processor Dunbia to introduce the Sustainable Beef Group to support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices.
Its members will be financially rewarded for achieving a reduction in carbon intensity, alongside adopting regenerative farming techniques to improve grazing management, biodiversity, and soil and water quality parameters that are unique to each farm, Lidl’s spokesperson explained.
The discounter said that it will also work with the farmers to improve herd performance, with all initiatives naturally helping to improve farm profitability.
Lidl and Dunbia have set a target to reduce their scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030.
Commitment to buying 100% British
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “As one of the largest buyers of British beef, we recognise our responsibility to support farmers adopt sustainable practices.
“This market-leading programme underpins our long-term commitment to buying 100% British, whilst investing significantly in sustainable practices that exceed industry standards.
“It ensures our customers can continue to enjoy the best in high-quality, sustainably sourced British beef at the lowest possible prices.”
Gill Higgins, group sustainability director, UK & Ireland at Dunbia, added that the company is “delighted” to support Lidl with their new sustainable beef programme.
“This initiative will support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming methods, while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef for Lidl and their customers.
“This is a great example of how strategic partnerships and supply chain investment can support progress in the agri-food industry,” he concluded.
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