Morrisons decides to end farm project 'Dumfries House' partnership

The partnership has allowed Morrisons to gain a foothold into the world of farming, by offering the retail giant a window into genetics, farming efficiency, sustainability and other agricultural means
The partnership has allowed Morrisons to gain a foothold into the world of farming, by offering the retail giant a window into genetics, farming efficiency, sustainability and other agricultural means

Morrisons has announced it has decided to end the Dumfries House partnership in November. The partnership has allowed Morrisons to gain a foothold into the world of farming, by offering the retail giant a window into genetics, farming efficiency, sustainability and other agricultural means.

The 405 hectare estate (1,000 acres) in Ayrshire was acquired in 2009 by Morrisons, but until recently the project was 'now a growing visitor attraction' and it 'made sense' to 'reincorporate the farm back into the day-to-day management of the estate'.

Morrisons group corporate services director, Martyn Jones said: “The Dumfries House project was an exceptional opportunity for us to explore and develop farming practices"

"We are pleased with our achievements at the farm including developing our signature beef specification and creating best practice guidance for our suppliers.

Morrisons will progress with its sustainable livestock program with its existing supply base, using the knowledge gained from the project.

A spokesman from Dumfries House Trust Estate stated, "In 2007 when the trust took over Dumfries House we needed input from a number of different partners and Morrisons played an important part through their involvement with the farm.

"We are indebted to Morrisons for the hardwork and investment put into developing the farming operation. Now that the estate has developed and the project is more stable, this seems the right time to bring the farm back under the direct management of Dumfries House."