Following considerable pressure on the egg industry over the past year, Lidl GB is calling on other retailers to take bigger steps to encourage farmers back into the egg sector.
The update comes as Lidl GB confirms that it’s taking a bold new approach to boosting British egg production, by offering farmers financial incentives to move into egg farming. Existing and new farmers are being offered an additional investment on top of market rates, supported by long term contracts as part of a guaranteed pay back deal. Through these contracts, farmers will be given the security and confidence needed to invest in and expand their existing businesses, helping to provide greater returns in the long term.
Whilst other supermarkets in recent months have chosen to import eggs from oversees, Lidl GB has held firm on its commitment to source 100% British fresh shell eggs and has focused efforts on supporting the sector.
Martin Kottbauer, chief trading officer at Lidl GB, commented: “The last year has been particularly challenging for the British egg industry, and it’s had an impact on everyone. The easy option would certainly have been for us to source elsewhere, but we are firmly committed to the long-standing relationships we have with our British suppliers, and our commitment to sourcing 100% fresh shell British eggs.
“As an industry we need to be doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of the British egg sector, which is why we have taken steps to offer incentives and security for farmers to expand into egg production. This approach, which is supported by long term contracts, is giving our suppliers much needed confidence to invest in their businesses and further secure their futures. We would urge other retailers to do the same.”
Not only is Lidl investing in new producers, the retailer is also supporting existing suppliers and is set to invest an additional £40m compared to last year.
Speaking about their partnership with Lidl, Robert Chapman, of Farmlay Eggs, said: “Farmlay and its 25 contract producers are very grateful to Lidl for its support during a very challenging time with Avian Influenza a constant threat. The security that Lidl has given us with long term contracts and a cost of production model ensures a good return, back to the primary producer. This security has enabled Farmlay to expand its own production base and also to encourage existing and new producers, like Bob and Kay Adam to invest. The Adam’s first birds were housed at the end of July and we know they’re incredibly excited ahead of their eggs going into Lidl stores. Lidl’s support for the whole British farming sector is second to none; just look at the amount of British and regional products displayed in their stores.”
