Lidl GB, a UK discounter, has recently announced a significant investment of £1.5 billion into the British beef industry over the next five years. This move is part of Lidl’s commitment to sourcing 100% British beef and supporting sustainable practices within the industry.
The company will be launching the Sustainable Beef Group, a program designed to assist farmers in transitioning to sustainable farming methods. Members of the group will be incentivized for reducing carbon intensity and implementing regenerative farming techniques to enhance grazing management, biodiversity, and soil and water quality on their individual farms.
In partnership with Dunbia, Lidl aims to decrease their scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030. This aligns with Lidl’s broader scope 3 science-aligned climate targets, showcasing their dedication to environmental sustainability.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices. This initiative not only reinforces Lidl’s commitment to purchasing exclusively British beef but also highlights their investment in practices that surpass industry standards, ensuring high-quality, sustainably sourced beef for their customers.
Gill Higgins, group sustainability director, UK & Ireland at Dunbia, expressed excitement over the collaboration with Lidl on the sustainable beef program. This strategic partnership will aid British beef farmers in implementing more sustainable farming methods while maintaining a consistent supply of top-quality beef for Lidl and its customers, demonstrating the positive impact of supply chain investment in the agri-food sector.
