M&S unveiled its latest farming strategy, “Plan A for Farming,” doubling down on its support for British agriculture and urging the government to set a legally binding national food security target.
The high street staple, which sources from nearly 10,000 British farms, said the initiative aims to create a sustainable and resilient farming sector while maintaining high-quality food standards for consumers.
Key elements include sourcing 100% British across core proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, and milk, as well as extending growing seasons for seasonal produce.
M&S will invest £14m in sustainable farming and innovation over the next five years, building on £7m previously committed.
The strategy also launches the ‘Farming for the Future’ programme, which will provide 200 farms with environmental monitoring, expert advice, and digital tools to implement regenerative practices, improve resilience, and reduce carbon footprints.
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The plan introduces new industry standards for beef and milk, including the Angus Gold Standard and the enhanced Milk Pledge, which combine animal welfare, regenerative practices, and AI-driven monitoring.
These initiatives build on M&S’s Select Farm programme, which has operated for 30 years and underpins the retailer’s commitment to sourcing from trusted British farms.
M&S Food MD Alex Freudmann said: “British farming is the backbone of our food industry and the foundation of M&S Food. British food is the best in the world and at M&S, we’ve invested millions to support our farmers who produce it. But the future of British agriculture can’t rest on industry alone. That’s why we’re backing our farmers in their call for government to step up – starting with a clear, legally binding target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that is grown here. It’s time to turn warm words into action.”
As part of Plan A for Farming, M&S is calling for simpler government incentives and allowances, support for apprenticeships and training schemes, and trade deals that reflect high national food standards.
The initiative also reinforces the retailer’s commitment to British produce, including record purchases of British strawberries this year, enabling growers to invest in second plantings. Other innovation projects funded through the Plan A Accelerator Fund include AI monitoring of pollinators and methane tracking in cattle to reduce emissions.
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