Around the table for the discussions, which included the retailer’s progress and future plans for agriculture, were NFU President Meurig Raymond and NFU Cymru President Stephen James, together with Jason Tarry, Tesco Chief Product Officer and Director of Agriculture, Tom Hind.
The NFU emphasised the pressure that many NFU members in different sectors are feeling but particularly within dairy, beef and lamb. The Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) was highlighted as an effective model, with Tesco indicating its desire to maintain a strong, direct link with dairy farmers through the TSDG. Both Presidents explained that they would like to see the principles of the TSDG extended and called for Tesco to give producers greater confidence and clearer market indicators.
Jason Tarry who has recently taken on the position of Chief Product Officer was keen to state that Tesco as a whole is keen to build stronger, more integrated partnerships with producers suppliers. He also reaffirmed Tesco’s commitment to British agriculture and, although it has recently been confirmed that Tom Hind is shortly stepping down from his role as Agriculture Director, a replacement will be made to lead the Tesco agriculture team.
Meanwhile, as we approach the peak season for British lamb, Tesco said that the British range will increase, with clear identification of ‘new season lamb’ in stores.