Ed Bedington
Pig and lamb farmers are set to benefit after Asda reaffirmed its commitment to British agriculture.
The retailer has announced plans to extend two successful schemes which have helped to boost farmers' businesses.
Dr Chris Brown, Asda's head of agriculture, said the retailer was committed to making sure 90% of the fresh food it sold was British. "We are huge customers for British farmers and want to see them continue to meet the needs of our customers."
To ensure this, Brown said it would be rolling out the Asda Pork Partnership to all stores, following a successful trial. The scheme, launched last year, was designed to encourage pig farmers to supply heavier, leaner animals, which helps cut their costs. Brown said the bigger, leaner pigs allowed them to supply the products Asda's customers want. "We can supply leaner joints that are thinner but longer, with a cleaner face. People still shop by eye, particularly with joints." He also said there was growing demand for loin chops without the bone. "We're now selling 50% of our pork loin as boneless, people don't want to have the bone left on their plate."
As well as the pork scheme, the multiple is also widening the scope of its successful LambLink project.
The scheme, set up last year in conjunction with Welsh Country Foods, worked with farmers to supply higher quality lambs.
The project attracted 2,600 farmers in its first six months, but now Asda is hoping to sign up a further 1,100. Brown said: "Working together has enabled us to grow the market and increase the amount of British lamb reaching the family table."
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Pig and lamb farmers are set to benefit after Asda reaffirmed its commitment to British agriculture.
The retailer has announced plans to extend two successful schemes which have helped to boost farmers' businesses.
Dr Chris Brown, Asda's head of agriculture, said the retailer was committed to making sure 90% of the fresh food it sold was British. "We are huge customers for British farmers and want to see them continue to meet the needs of our customers."
To ensure this, Brown said it would be rolling out the Asda Pork Partnership to all stores, following a successful trial. The scheme, launched last year, was designed to encourage pig farmers to supply heavier, leaner animals, which helps cut their costs. Brown said the bigger, leaner pigs allowed them to supply the products Asda's customers want. "We can supply leaner joints that are thinner but longer, with a cleaner face. People still shop by eye, particularly with joints." He also said there was growing demand for loin chops without the bone. "We're now selling 50% of our pork loin as boneless, people don't want to have the bone left on their plate."
As well as the pork scheme, the multiple is also widening the scope of its successful LambLink project.
The scheme, set up last year in conjunction with Welsh Country Foods, worked with farmers to supply higher quality lambs.
The project attracted 2,600 farmers in its first six months, but now Asda is hoping to sign up a further 1,100. Brown said: "Working together has enabled us to grow the market and increase the amount of British lamb reaching the family table."
{{MARKET EDGE }}
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