Tesco to Introduce New Sheep Farming Production Model

08 Feb 2016 --- Tesco is working with British sheep farmers across its supply chain to try and introduce a new production model. The supermarket giant will collect data over a 12 month period to help it identify which production farming system is most efficient.

Tesco will work with independent consultants who will select farmers for the trial which will collate and evaluate the data.

The move comes as Tesco looks to establish stronger relations with British farmers and help iron out volatility in the sheep farming market.

Last year, Tesco was criticised by UK farmers for the drop in the amount of British lamb it sold. It has also been at loggerheads with dairy farmers over the pricing of milk.

Those taking part in the trial will be chosen based on farm production type, geographic location and farm size.

Tesco said it also help to mentor “fresh farming talent” with a provision being made to ensure that at least 25 per cent of those involved in the trial are under the age of 35.

Tesco commercial director for Fresh Food, Matt Simister, said: “Tesco has a long history of supporting UK agriculture and we recognise the quality, expertise and commitment of British lamb farmers to provide the best possible produce for customers."

“We work hard to have an open and transparent dialogue with all of our farmers and producers of British lamb, as we as the wider farming community, so that together we can deliver a truly sustainable farming industry,” adds Simister.

The move comes just days after Waitrose pledged that its dairy cows will be allowed at least 100 days grazing a year, as it looked to offset criticism from animal welfare groups.