1,000 beef farms to benefit from Aldi-ABP sustainability scheme
Beef farmers are being invited to participate in Aldi's ‘Grounded in Goodness’ scheme, which aims to reward sustainable farming methods.
The supermarket chain is bringing together 1,000 beef farms in a new initiative with supplier partner, ABP.
The Grounded in Goodness scheme will provide British farmers with practical support, technical expertise and premium farm payments for adopting sustainable farming practices.
Farmers participating in the scheme will implement a range of on-farm actions covering soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
In return they will receive premium payments alongside access to specialist agronomic advice and peer learning networks.
According to chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, the Grounded in Goodness scheme provides beef farmers with practical support to invest in.
She said: “British beef farmers are facing real challenges right now, from rising input costs and climate pressures to the transition away from direct subsidies.”
The chief commercial officer added that Aldi have been working closely with ABP to develop a scheme that recognises previous work done by farmers
“By investing in the farmers who supply us, we're helping to build a stronger, more resilient British beef supply chain that is fit for the future.”
Farmers will be able to apply to the scheme this month, which will be in full effect by spring 2027.
Grounded in goodness
The ‘Grounded in Goodness’ scheme will operate on a tiered model basis, and will reward efficient production and the delivery of environmental goods.
Farms can choose a range of defined actions that have been carefully selected and verified by a farm consultancy to ensure they are practical and achievable.
The flexible framework has been designed to enable famers to opt into actions that are relevant for their farming system, and to gradually increase their commitments over time.
The scheme forms part of Aldi's Force for Good sustainability strategy, which commits to investing in more sustainable supply chains across key commodity groups including beef.
It represents a significant investment in the long-term resilience of British beef production.
NFU
President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), Tom Bradshaw, welcomed Aldi's commitment to the investment of British beef through their programme.
He said: “Retailers play a vital role in supporting British farmers and giving consumers confidence in the quality of the food they purchase.
“This scheme provides a strong incentive for further sustainable farming practices."
