Initiatives include multi-year contracts and programmes to support workers
Morrisons has detailed its £1.6 billion commitment to British agriculture and food production for the year ahead.
The supermarket – which highlighted its position as British farming’s single biggest direct retail customer – said it will continue to support a series of multi-year partnerships with farmers supplying fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and eggs.
Morrisons stressed that it works with its farmers in a partnership approach, typically operating on multi-year contracts to offer visibility and certainty for farmers.
It noted that it has also introduced a shared farming agreement for potato farmers that underwrites 100 per cent of the costs associated with growing their crops, to mitigate the cost and weather pressures that come from the peaks and troughs of the season.
Morrisons took the opportunity to underline its support of British farming, thorugh initiatives such as its Agriculture Directors Forum, which launched in December 2025 and brings together agricultural leaders from key suppliers to strengthen collaboration, align on shared priorities and support the delivery of agricultural strategy, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, animal welfare and long-term resilience.
The ‘Morrisons Next Generation Farming Programme’ was established in 2019 as a programme of training and development initiatives and prepares young Morrisons farmers for what goes on beyond the farm gate, providing insight into the world of manufacturing and retail.
From autumn 2025, for the first time, the programme was opened to farmers across the industry, extending access to development, mentoring and practical support. To date, more than 100 farmers have been through the programme.
In partnership with McDonald’s and the NFU, Morrisons also launched the first School of Sustainable Food & Farming at Harper Adams University to help address the skills gaps in agriculture and embed new sustainable farming methods across the industry.
It has also developed its Sustainable Farm Network, which is made up of 38 farm networks, representing over 150,000ha across the country.
Beyond various further initiatives across other fresh food categories, Morrisons also offers a five per cent discount in store and online to all Morrisons farmers and has a ‘Tractor Tuesdays’ initiative that gives farmers 25 per cent off its café menu on a Tuesday.
Morrisons CEO Rami Baitiéh said: “Now, more than ever, at a time when farming is under pressure, we stand shoulder to shoulder with British farmers, providing them with long-term financial stability and practical support. That is why we are committing to invest £1.6bn with British farms this year, backing the people who produce our food and giving them the confidence and stability they need to continue producing high-quality British products for our customers.”
Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle added: “For decades, Morrisons has been a steadfast and consistent partner for British agriculture. Through long-term partnerships and significant investment, they are not only helping put quality homegrown food on our tables, but are also helping sustainable food production to grow and prosper. This government will continue to work closely with industry to support British farming and increase its profitability, productivity and sustainability for years to come.”
