UK | Tesco has announced further support for its British farmers and suppliers by relaunching and extending its Tesco Sustainable Pig Group (TSPG).
The group, developed in partnership with Tesco’s long-term supplier, Cranswick, will cover all production methods used in the UK and include farms of varying sizes. Tesco estimated that the group could be worth at least £670m over the scheme's initial three years.
The group will initially produce all of Tesco’s Finest fresh pork, with the ambition of tripling in size over the next three years to produce all Tesco’s core fresh pork and sausages, making it one of the largest farming producer groups in the UK.
Farmers will receive a combination of cost of production and market price incentives, giving producers more stability in pricing and helping to support longer-term investment.
Tesco reintroduced the group after continuing to support the industry for 18 months. During that period, the supermarket increased the tonnage of British pork in sausages, bacon, pork, and gammon by 20 percent.
The group will play a significant role in developing Tesco’s approach to sustainable production, providing a forum for suppliers, farmers and Tesco colleagues to come together and improve welfare, innovation, quality standards and collaboration.
Among the incentivised improvements in animal welfare will be a drive to increase the number of farms with enhanced farrowing and decreasing stocking densities on farms across the TSPG.
Tesco operates Sustainable Farming Groups across several supply chains, including milk, cheese, beef, lamb, and potatoes. The groups offer members fair and transparent pricing structures and support for reducing emissions through carbon footprinting.
They also convene industry representatives, share knowledge among farmers, suppliers, and Tesco colleagues, and try to introduce innovations that will help reduce on-farm emissions and protect biodiversity.
“Our dedicated British farmers have faced some challenging times recently, and we’ve been doing everything we can to support them. Our sustainable farming groups play a vital role, providing forums for collaboration and innovation and encouraging improvements in product quality, animal welfare and environmental measures.
“With this in mind, I’m delighted to announce a step up in supporting our British pig farmers. Our new cost of production mechanism and bonus incentives will benefit farmers who can invest in key welfare, sustainability and efficiency improvements.”
The relaunch of the Group comes after Tesco and Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming (SSFF) published a report on the future sustainability of the agriculture sector in the UK. The report, which Tesco’s farmers have informed, sets out a series of recommendations to aid sustainability across agriculture and the wider food industry.
“It is great to see Tesco’s continued commitment to British pig farming, and we are delighted to be collaborating with them to ensure the long-term viability of the sector,” said Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer, Cranswick.
“Our own farming expertise, long-standing producer relationships and partnership with Tesco will undoubtedly accelerate sustainable, higher welfare practices. We are excited to see how this innovative approach can benefit both producers and consumers alike."
Tesco Sustainable Farming Groups provide forums for farmers and suppliers to meet with Tesco colleagues and discuss best practices in areas such as sustainability, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
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