Sainsbury’s has announced a £5bn investment into farming across fresh produce, dairy, meat and poultry in the UK and Ireland.

The retailer expanded its long-term partnership with 62 British berry farms and agreed on new five-year contracts with Angus Soft Fruit, Chambers, Soft Fruits Direct, J.O. Sims and Dyson Farming.

According to the business over 2,500 British farms will be supported by long-term contracts by 2027, and the supermarket plans to secure 3.1 million tonnes of homegrown fresh food.

Sainsbury’s expanded model aims to improve stability across the supply chain amid changing operating costs, climate pressures and global instability.

CEO of Sainsbury’s Simon Roberts said: “Good food is something people depend on every day. In uncertain times our focus is on keeping food a great value for customers while giving farmers the reassurance and certainty they need to plan ahead.

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“We’re proud to lead the way on long-term farming partnerships and cost of production models – with some of the longest in UK retail, backed by billions of pounds of committed investment.

“When farmers know what we’ll buy, at what price and for how long, they can plan, invest and keep producing the great-tasting, responsibly sourced British food our customers trust.”

The new farming agreements will secure produce across various areas, including milk, carrots, mushrooms and chicken.

Additionally, the move to extend soft fruit partnerships to long-term agreements will help growers receive more security for investments and ensure there is a steady supply for British berries for customers.

Sainsbury’s plans to have 60 per cent of its own-brand suppliers of fresh produce, dairy, meat, fish and poultry in long-term agreements of over 5 years by the end of 2026.