Lidl promises to buy more from British farmers with ethical ‘fruit and veg pledge’

The move follows its rival Aldi, which was the first supermarket to sign up to the National Farmers Union (NFU) scheme in July last year

Lidl, among 11 commitments, has pledged to source more home grown fruit and vegetables (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Lidl, Britain’s fastest growing supermarket has backed British farmers by committing to their “fruit and veg pledge” which aims to improve the relationship between growers and suppliers, boosting their profitability.

The supermarket is following rival Aldi’s lead. Aldi was the first supermarket to sign up to the National Farmers Union (NFU) scheme in July last year.

Among the 11 commitments, Lidl has pledged to source more home-grown fruit and vegetables, reduce wastage and pay suppliers on time and in full.

The NFU has called on retailers to sign up to the pledge, which took three years to draw up after the publication of its Catalyst for Change report. The report was intended to start a debate about the way the supply chain operates and to question whether there are ways of improving it.

It also attempted to expose poor business practices, such as short-term relationships between growers and retailers, which were stripping out millions from the fresh produce sector .

Ali Capper, NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair, said the fact that Lild signed up to the pledge highlights its commitment to long-term supply relationships and equitable distribution of reward along the supply chain. “Our goal is to generate integrity, honesty and openness across the market and that can only come from the key asks within our pledge – which includes price certainty, transparent working and strong, long term relationships that are fair for everyone involved,” she said.

Ryan McDonnell, commercial director for Lidl UK, said its commitment to the NFU pledge will anchor the supermarket’s relations with their suppliers. “We’re very keen to ensure that our sourcing process supports the growth and development of UK growers, which is vital in encouraging more people, particularly our shoppers, to eat more fruit and veg,” he said.