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UK supermarket giant Lidl GB has unveiled plans to invest £1.5 billion in the British beef industry over the next five years.

Part of the retailer’s commitment to sourcing 100% British beef, Lidl is launching the ‘Sustainable Beef Group’ to support farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices.

Group members will be rewarded for reducing carbon and adopting regenerative farming techniques to improve grazing management, biodiversity and soil and water quality parameters unique to each farm.

Lidl GB will also work with these farmers to improve herd performance, with all initiatives naturally helping to improve farm profitability.

Under the initiative, hundreds of farms across the UK have been carbon footprinted to gather data. In partnership with independent agricultural and sustainability consultancy Promar each farm will be offered tailored advice to reduce its carbon emissions and support the sustainable growth of its businesses over time.

Within the partnership, Lidl and red meat processor Dunbia have set a target to reduce scope 3 emission intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product, by 2030.

Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “As one of the largest buyers of British beef, we recognise our responsibility to support farmers adopt sustainable practices. This market-leading programme underpins our long-term commitment to buying 100% British, whilst investing significantly in sustainable practices that exceed industry standards. It ensures our customers can continue to enjoy the best in high-quality, sustainably sourced British beef at the lowest possible prices."

Gill Higgins, group sustainability director, UK & Ireland at Dunbia, said: “We are delighted to support Lidl with its new sustainable beef programme. This initiative will support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming methods, while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef for Lidl and their customers. This is a great example of how strategic partnerships and supply chain investment can support progress in the agri-food industry.”

This is the latest in a number of sustainability and supplier initiatives from the supermarket giant. In February, Lidl launched a vacuum-packed mince solution across its range, reducing plastic usage by 300 tonnes annually, and, in April, the retailer announced plans to invest £500 million into the British pork sector to bolster the nation's pork industry.

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