Lidl champions British agriculture with inaugural farming conference
Lidl has strengthened its support for British agriculture by hosting over 130 farmers, food producers, and industry leaders at its first-ever Grassroots British Farming Conference.
Held at Harper Adams University over two days, the event aimed to provide a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the tackling the future challenges of British farming.
The programme included discussions on agricultural policy, regenerative farming, livestock behaviour monitoring technology, and mental health, as well as hands-on demonstrations on soil health and butchery.
Meanwhile, an interactive panel session called Lidl in Dialogue gave delegates the chance to ask Lidl’s sustainability and commercial teams questions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Lidl sources all of its fresh milk, butter, eggs, cream, pork, chicken, and beef from British suppliers. Last year, it pledged £1 billion into the British egg industry, £1.5 billion into British beef, £500 million into British pork, and £70 million into British root vegetables. The supermarket has revealed that it is on target to invest £21 billion in the British food industry by the end of FY24, thereby exceeding its original five-year commitment by 40%.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “With two-thirds of our products sourced from British suppliers, we recognise the critical role agriculture plays in both our business and our customers’ shopping choices.
“For nearly five years, our Grassroots Farming Groups have played a crucial role in developing long-term, sustainable partnerships.
“Events like our Grassroots Conference allow us to foster open conversations, strengthen relationships, and ensure we continue growing together in the years ahead.”
