News Morrisons launches farming programme

Morrisons is launching a Farming Programme focused on research to help improve the efficiency and sustainability of British farming, in partnership with agricultural colleges and the National Farmers Union.

Three key research categories form Morrisons new Farming Programme:

• Driving efficiency. Helping farmers to access best practice, for example through the launch of Morrisons Farm Supply website enabling beef farmers to access on-line information on their carcase data and to benchmark themselves for quality and price.

• Supply chain dialogue to encourage working across the supply chain with the launch of Morrisons Farmer Groups for dairy, beef, poultry and egg farmers; and the opportunity to extend from livestock into fresh produce.

• Investment in applied farm research organised through Morrisons Farmer Groups and working in partnership with leading agricultural colleges.  The first research project reviewing the cross breeding of dairy cattle is already underway, with results expected to be published in August.

Morrisons is also planning to open two research farms. The first of these is a ground-breaking joint venture to establish a 700-acre farm on the Dumfries House Estate in East Ayrshire. Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will work in a new partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College, with the support of the NFUS, to become one of the leading centres of excellence for applied farming research. The company is seeking to establish a similar venture in south east England. 

Marc Bolland, Morrisons Chief Executive, said: “Through our new Farming Programme we are investing in taking a leading role in applied farm research and making a contribution to helping the long-term sustainability of British farming.” 

President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), Peter Kendall, said: “We welcome Morrisons new farming programme, and we are very keen to support and where possible partner this important initiative. 

“The three key elements of this programme are critical issues for our industry. Therefore we see this as a significant commitment by Morrisons to the future of the industry and to the future supply of quality British food and we look forward to discussing and developing this further.”

Jim McLaren, President, NFU Scotland, said: “It is extremely good news for the agriculture industry that one of the country's leading retailers is willing to engage at this level.  It is a real example to follow and by Morrisons investing in this way - not least by becoming farmers themselves - the understanding with the farming industry can be developed further.  It is these kinds of initiatives that will help forge a sustainable future for our sector."

Scottish Agricultural College Principal and Chief Executive, Professor Bill McKelvey, commented: "This is an exciting initiative for the Scottish Agricultural College. It capitalises on SAC's strengths, combining applied research and development, with the transfer of knowledge and good practice."