Morrisons launches new support package for British farmers to cover rising costs of growing crops

What with rising energy prices, increased fertiliser costs and other price rises, our farmers have certainly being feeling the pinch lately. 

As a result, Morrisons has taken the decision to launch a new support package for British farmers to cover the costs of growing crops.

In fact, Morrisons has become the first UK supermarket to launch a support package that underwrites 100% of the costs associated with growing crops.

The retailer, which has over 1,200 branches throughout England, Scotland and Wales, has invested £2 million in a year-long trial and potato and carrot farmers are the first to benefit under the scheme.

The trial will help British farmers mitigate the cost and weather pressures coming from the peaks and troughs of the seasons, including field rent and fertiliser costs and gives farmers greater financial security with Morrisons shouldering all the risks.

Crops are currently being grown on three potato farms and one carrot farm with the first produce from these farms due to hit the shelves before year's end and into 2024. If successful, Morrisons hopes to roll out this scheme to more farms later next year. 

Morrisons already supports farmers by buying whole crops and picking out any fruit or veg that's perfectly fine to eat but has a quirky shape or a surprising size for its Naturally Wonky range.

Launched back in 2015, Morrisons Naturally Wonky fruit and veg helps reduce food waste in the field and offers affordable produce to its customers. It also provides farmers an alternative route to market. The range includes 24 wonky varieties, and 27,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were sold this way last year alone.

Gareth Cosford, who is Morrisons' Senior Buying Manager for Root Vegetables said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer we understand the impact higher costs are continuing to have on Britain's farmers. As a result, our trial scheme allows us to take all the risks that are associated with growing the crop away from our farmers and continue to grow the best quality British produce our customers know, love and have come to expect.” 

Participating farms so far include Naish Farms Ltd. which grow potatoes for Morrisons.

Andrew Nash, who is a Director at Naish Farms Ltd. said: “Morrisons already buy our whole crop of potatoes from us, taking the top-quality and also the misshapen or the oversized ones and making them available to customers as part of their naturally wonky range. This not only maximises our return, it also offers the best value to their customers.

“In farming there are ups and downs throughout the seasons. For us we are seeing greater weather challenges which could impact our crops and by being part of this new Morrisons trial, they’re underwriting our growing costs to cushion us from the associated risks and provide supply security so  we can focus on growing the very best potatoes for their customers.”

Interestingly, Morrisons is British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer and works directly with over 2,700 farmers and growers all year round to ensure customers can purchase products of the highest quality. 

This week Morrisons is continuing to support the industry by sponsoring Farm 24, farming's biggest event which highlights the pride of the nation’s food producers. For more information, please visit: https://www.morrisons-farming.com/backing-british/farm24

Some shoppers believe that the Morisons Naturally Wonky fruits and vegetables actually taste better, as they remind them of the "real" fruit and vegetables their parents and grandparents used to be able to buy before the authorities decided that all fruits and vegetables should have uniform size, weight and appearance.

What do you think? Wonky or not?