The Co-op is strengthening its Beef and Lamb Farming group with a reset, welcoming new members and setting out a new events programme to forge stronger relationships with its network of suppliers.
A decade on from the launch of the Farming Group, the convenience retailer is bringing together a refreshed base of new and longstanding members from 17 UK farms following an application process.
A 12-month engagement programme will provide a touch point for members to discuss challenges facing the agriculture industry and share best practice.
Producers in the group will receive a premium for meeting additional health and quality requirements across areas such as sustainability, environmental, ethical and training standards.
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As part of the reset, members of the group came together earlier this month in a two-day event in Manchester to allow farmers to spend time together, while also having quality time with Co-op’s agriculture team and supplier partner Dunbia.
Topics including net zero, carbon targets and climate resilience were discussed, alongside a farm to fork session to update farmers on current Co-op shopper trends.
Co-op agriculture specialist Laura Talbot said: “We’re proud to back the British farming industry and are committed to supporting our farmers, which is especially important during these challenging times.
“Our Farming Group – which has been going for the last 10 years – is very much about building and maintaining a two-way relationship between us and the farmers so it’s mutually beneficial for everyone with focuses on promoting best practice, ensuring quality and helping improve efficiency and profitability of their businesses.”
