Supermarket initiative
Supermarket initiative
SAINSBURY has appointed a partnership manager to enable it to work more closely with beef and lamb suppliers.
The move, announced at the show by food trading director Ian Merton, is part of three key measures designed to build on the supermarkets existing Partner-ship in Livestock Scheme which has been running for 10 years.
As well as the new post, which is yet to be filled, the retailer has produced a brochure detailing its commitment to understanding issues of importance to farmers and its intention to address them. It also plans a range of projects to help improve breeding stock and meat quality.
The initiative is the result of feedback received during a roadshow earlier this year when farmers were canvassed for their views on how communication and efficiency could be improved along the food chain.
NFU deputy president Tim Bennett welcomed the scheme. "If this works we will all benefit. At the moment farmers are not getting enough communication about customer requirements." *
• For Livestock reports from the Royal Show, turn to page 46