UK discounter Aldi has launched a beef farming initiative in partnership with red meat producer ABP UK, which it said would provide producers with support.
The retailer went on to say that the initiative would aim to provide farmers with practical and technical support, as well as offer premium farm payments for adopting sustainable farming practices.
The ‘Grounded in Goodness’ initiative will reportedly bring together around 1,000 beef farmers across England, Scotland and Wales who commit to implementing a range of on-farm actions covering soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare. In return, participating farmers will receive premium farm payments on top of standard market prices, alongside access to agronomic advice and peer learning networks.
The scheme will begin recruiting farmers from October 2026, with the first cohort to be fully onboarded by spring 2027. A small group of Horizon Farmers will work closely with Aldi and ABP to pilot new approaches and share learnings across the wider network. Aldi said their involvement “ensures the scheme is practical and deliverable by farmers”, while helping Aldi progress towards its sustainable farming goals.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, commented: “British beef farmers are facing real challenges right now, from rising input costs and climate pressures to the transition away from direct subsidies. Grounded in Goodness is designed to provide practical support and financial certainty that helps farmers invest in their businesses for the long term.
“We’ve worked closely with ABP and with farmers to develop a scheme that recognises what’s already working and provides a clear framework for those who want to go further.
“Supporting British agriculture has always been central to our approach, and this initiative is another example of that long-term commitment. 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.”
Phil Hambling, director of agriculture and sustainability at ABP UK, said: “What makes this scheme different is that it starts with farmer viability. The premium farm payments, technical support and flexibility in how farmers participate are all designed to make sustainable farming economically attractive rather than an additional burden.
“We’ve worked with independent farm consultants to ensure the actions in the scheme are practical, proven and relevant to British beef systems.
“Farmers aren’t being asked to transform their operations overnight – they’re being offered a partnership that supports gradual, meaningful improvement over time.”
NFU welcomes ‘Grounded in Goodness’ initiative
National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw, added: “We welcome Aldi’s commitment to build on their investment in British beef through this new programme. British beef is world-renowned for its animal welfare and environmental standards. Retailers play a vital role in supporting British farmers and giving consumers confidence in the quality of the food they purchase.
“By recognising and rewarding the environmentally beneficial actions that are already being delivered on our farms, this scheme provides a strong incentive for further sustainable farming practices, while supporting profitable beef production.”
NFU Livestock board chair, Clare Wise, said: “This scheme will come as welcome, positive news for British beef farmers, helping to build on the confidence needed to unlock growth, encourage investment and secure a thriving domestic beef industry.
“It is really encouraging to see farmers being supported and rewarded for taking practical action that will drive further progress across the sector; we look forward to seeing how the programme develops.”
