M&S has unveiled its latest farming strategy, doubling down on its commitment to British agriculture while calling on the government to introduce a legally binding national food security target.

The retailer, which sources from nearly 10,000 UK farms, said the initiative aims to build a resilient and sustainable farming sector while maintaining high-quality standards for shoppers.

Core elements of the plan include sourcing 100% British across key proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, and milk, as well as measures to extend the growing season for seasonal produce.

Over the next five years, M&S will invest £14m in sustainable farming and innovation, adding to £7m already committed. The programme also launches the ‘Farming for the Future’ initiative, which will support 200 farms with environmental monitoring, expert guidance, and digital tools to adopt regenerative practices, enhance resilience, and cut carbon emissions.

The strategy introduces new industry benchmarks for beef and milk, including the Angus Gold Standard and the enhanced Milk Pledge, which combine welfare measures, regenerative farming, and AI-led monitoring systems.

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These efforts build on the retailer’s long-standing Select Farm programme, which has been running for 30 years and underpins M&S’s dedication to sourcing from trusted British producers.

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “British farming is the backbone of our food industry and the foundation of M&S Food. British food is the best in the world and at M&S, we’ve invested millions to support our farmers who produce it. But the future of British agriculture can’t rest on industry alone.

“That’s why we’re backing our farmers in their call for government to step up – starting with a clear, legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is grown here. It’s time to turn warm words into action.”

As part of the strategy, M&S is urging the government to simplify grants and incentives, invest in apprenticeships and training programmes, and ensure trade deals reflect the country’s high food standards.

The initiative also reinforces M&S’s commitment to British produce, including record purchases of UK-grown strawberries this year, which have enabled growers to invest in second plantings.

Other projects funded through the Plan A Accelerator Fund include AI-powered pollinator monitoring and methane tracking for cattle to help reduce emissions.