Lidl invests £1.5bn in British beef and cutting farm emissions
© Tim Scrivener Discount retailer Lidl has committed to investing £300m annually in the British beef sector for the next five years and has set targets for reducing on-farm carbon emissions by 2030.
The supermarket chain has partnered with meat processor Dunbia to introduce its own Sustainable Beef Group, as part of this £1.5bn investment
Beef farmers supplying Lidl through the group will be financially rewarded in return for implementing regenerative farming practices, improving grassland management, and reducing carbon.
See also: Co-op launch support for sustainability practices on-farm
More than a hundred farms have already had carbon levels measured and Lidl will work with consultancy firm Promar to provide support and drive further reductions on farms, with the retailer aiming for a 28% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per tonne by 2030.
Lidl has also committed to a grass-fed range which will pay farmers a premium for rearing cattle outside for at least 180 days each year and on a minimum of 70% grass.
The move by the retailer was broadly welcomed by Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association.
Mr Shand said: “Anything that supports British beef is a good thing and anything that sees British beef remaining the priority on major retailers’ shelves is only good for the industry.
“The more we continue to put British beef in front of the consumer the better.”
He added: “Retailers are trying to tick more than one box at the same time, they are trying to secure supply and also make sure that they achieve some of their environmental targets.”
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “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.”
Dunbia’s group sustainability director Gill Higgins added that the initiative would support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming methods, while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef.