M&S is redoubling its commitment to sourcing 100 per cent British produce across key lines, sustainable farming and strengthening its partnership with 10,000 British farms.

Meanwhile it is getting political, calling for the Government to set up agricultural support as part of the national Food Strategy, and asking for a legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that’s grown or reared in Britain.

Plan A for Farming sets out these ambitions to create a more sustainable British farming industry, with a £14m investment in sustainable farming and innovation; a new £7m invested over next five years, including new Farming for the Future programme, building on £7m investment already provided. This funding will provide insight and advice for farmers to implement regenerative practices, improve resilience and reduce carbon footprints.

“British farming is the backbone of our food industry and the foundation of M&S Food,” said Alex Freudmann, MD 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.”

The Plan A for Farming strategy will run to 2030, focused on British sourcing, sustainability, high standards, and resilience. The goal is to help farmers feel confident about the future, grow their businesses, and invest, ensuring M&S can continue delivering quality food to millions of families across the UK.

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