Co-op has announced it has signed up to the National Farmers Union's Fruit and Vegetable pledge today in Manchester.
The pledge is designed to cultivate long-lasting relationships between retailers and growers.
It requires retailers to adhere to a number of requirements including the fair treatment of suppliers, advance planning on promotions, investing in horticultural research and a commitment to increase the amount of British fresh produce available for customers.
Co-op has also committed to only stock British pork and lamb all year round from May 2017.
"We're thrilled to be able to announce our support for the NFU's Fruit and Veg Pledge at the Co-op's very first farming conference in the presence of over 300 of our farming group members, suppliers and industry and Co-op colleagues," said Co-op's commercial director, Michael Fletcher.
"We know our customers care about the provenance of their food and are keen to champion British products wherever they can.
"By signing up to this charter, we’re giving them further assurance on the transparency of our supply chains and making it easier than ever for them to support British farmers and growers."
Bright future
Guy Poskitt, NFU Horticulture Board Vice Chairman, said: "We are delighted the Co-op has signed the NFU Fruit and Veg Pledge today.
"In a week that saw farmers and politicians come together in Westminster to Back British Farming, the Co-op’s commitment to our industry shines through.
"It is a real step forward when a retailer makes two commitments to British farming in one week.
"With Co-op’s Fruit and Veg commitment, our British growers have a bright and prosperous future, one that they can thrive on and one that continues to offer British consumers high quality great British food."
Conference-goers heard from keynote speaker, the Olympic cycling champion Chris Boardman MBE, on the essential ingredients for successful teamwork, while key suppliers gave their views on establishing effective supply chain networks.
A Co-op ‘market stall’, featuring produce from the likes of Muller, Dunbia, Noble Foods, 2Sisters, Red Tractor, LEAF and Love British Food also facilitated a networking lunch, ahead of the inaugural Co-op Farming Group Awards.
