Lidl GB Sets New Benchmark in Sustainable Beef Production
In a groundbreaking move for the British beef industry, Lidl GB is spearheading a new era of sustainable beef production.
Partnering with local British beef suppliers, Lidl has announced a significant investment of £1.5 billion into the sector over the next five years.
This ambitious initiative is part of Lidl’s broader commitment to sourcing 100% British beef, ensuring the highest standards in sustainability and quality.
The Sustainable Beef Group
Central to this initiative is the launch of the Sustainable Beef Group, aimed at supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices. Farmers who join the group will be incentivised for reducing carbon intensity and adopting regenerative farming techniques.
These techniques will focus on improving grazing management, biodiversity, and soil and water quality, tailored to the specific needs of each farm. Additionally, Lidl will collaborate with these farmers to enhance herd performance, ultimately boosting farm profitability.
Carbon Footprinting and Consultancy
In a significant advancement for the industry, hundreds of UK farms have undergone carbon footprinting to collect essential data.
Lidl, in partnership with Promar, an independent agricultural and sustainability consultancy, will provide these farms with personalised advice to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable business growth over time.
What’s more, this initiative is aligned with Lidl and Dunbia‘s target to reduce their scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030, furthering Lidl’s broader scope 3 science-aligned climate targets.
Building on Success
This new programme builds on the success of Lidl’s exclusive Welsh and Grass Fed beef producer groups.
These initiatives pay a premium to producers to encourage sustainable practices. Notably, the Grass Fed range ensures cattle spend at least 180 days grazing outdoors each year, with a diet of at least 70% grass.
This focus on natural grazing practices underscores Lidl’s commitment to animal welfare and high-quality beef production.
Industry Support and Impact
Lidl GB’s Chief Commercial Officer, commenting on the programme, stated that as one of the largest buyers of British beef, they recognise their responsibility to support farmers in adopting sustainable practices.
Furthermore, this market-leading programme underpins their long-term commitment to buying 100% British, while investing significantly in sustainable practices that exceed industry standards.
Additionally, it ensures that their customers can continue to enjoy the best in high-quality, sustainably sourced British beef at the lowest possible prices.
Echoing this sentiment, the Group Sustainability Director at Dunbia, UK & Ireland, expressed delight in supporting Lidl’s new sustainable beef programme. This initiative will support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable methods while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef for Lidl and their customers.
What’s more, this is a great example of how strategic partnerships and supply chain investment can support progress in the agri-food industry.
Conclusion
Lidl GB’s ambitious sustainable beef programme marks a significant step forward for the British beef industry. By investing £1.5 billion and launching the Sustainable Beef Group, Lidl is not only supporting farmers but also setting new standards for sustainability and quality.
Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive support, Lidl is paving the way for a more sustainable future in beef production, ensuring that customers can enjoy premium, sustainably sourced British beef at affordable prices.
This initiative not only strengthens the British beef industry but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices across the agri-food sector, demonstrating Lidl’s commitment to environmental stewardship and quality assurance.
By addressing both environmental impact and economic viability, Lidl’s programme is poised to bring lasting benefits to farmers, consumers, and the wider industry.
What’s more, this comprehensive approach underscores Lidl’s leadership in sustainable food retail, making a significant contribution to the future of sustainable agriculture in the United Kingdom.
News Credits: Lidl GB beefs up sustainability with £1.5bn investment in British beef production
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