Retailer commits £1.6 billion investment in 2026 to support UK farmers, strengthen long-term supply partnerships and secure resilient domestic food production.
Morrisons has pledged a £1.6 billion investment in British agriculture and food production for 2026, reinforcing its position as British farming’s largest direct supermarket customer while deepening long-term supply partnerships across the UK.
The funding will support farmers supplying fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and eggs, extending the retailer’s 127-year relationship with British agriculture. At a time of rising input costs and ongoing uncertainty, the move is designed to give producers greater confidence to plan ahead, invest in their businesses and safeguard domestic food production.
Central to the strategy is Morrisons’ partnership model, governed by the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) and underpinned by commitments to fair dealing, transparency and multi-year contracts. By prioritising longer-term agreements, the retailer aims to improve visibility and stability for producers. In addition, a shared farming agreement for potato growers underwrites 100 percent of crop production costs, helping to mitigate weather volatility and fluctuating input prices.
Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive Officer at Morrisons, said:
Now, more than ever, at a time when farming is under pressure, we stand shoulder to shoulder with British farmers, providing them with long term financial stability and practical support. That is why we are committing to invest £1.6 billion with British farms this year, backing the people who produce our food and giving them the confidence and stability they need to continue producing high quality British products for our customers.”
Strengthening long-term farm resilience
The announcement lands as UK farmers continue to grapple with inflationary pressures, climate-related disruption and concerns around long-term profitability. Against this backdrop, Morrisons said it is actively engaging with Government and industry bodies on issues such as the future of family farms and the resilience of domestic food production.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle added:
For decades, Morrisons has been a steadfast and consistent partner for British agriculture. Through long-term partnerships and significant investment, they are not only helping put quality homegrown food on our tables, but are also helping sustainable food production to grow and prosper.
This Government will continue to work closely with industry to support British farming and increase its profitability, productivity and sustainability for years to come.”
Investment in skills, sustainability and supply chain
Beyond direct financial backing, Morrisons is scaling up initiatives designed to futureproof its supply base. Its Agriculture Directors Forum, launched in December 2025, brings together leaders from key suppliers to align agricultural strategy and collaborate on priorities including innovation, animal welfare and long-term resilience.
At the same time, the Next Generation Farming Programme continues to build capability among young producers. Established in 2019, the scheme provides training and insight into manufacturing and retail operations. Since autumn 2025 it has been opened to farmers across the wider industry, with more than 100 participants completing the programme to date.
Partnership working extends into education and sustainability. Morrisons has teamed up with McDonald’s and the National Farmers’ Union to launch the School of Sustainable Food & Farming at Harper Adams University, addressing skills gaps and accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices. Complementing this, its Sustainable Farm Network now spans 38 farm groups representing more than 150,000 hectares nationwide.
Commercial initiatives further reinforce the retailer’s commitment. The ‘For Farmers’ range including milk, eggs, cheese and cream has raised more than £29 million for farmers since 2015, while backing for the Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm Resilience Programme provides free business skills training to family farms.
Meanwhile, Morrisons continues to build export opportunities, with British lamb sales through its Myton Food Group partnership reaching £19.5 million in 2025. Additional measures, including a five percent in-store and online discount for Morrisons farmers and the ‘Tractor Tuesdays’ café initiative offering 25 percent off meals, aim to provide practical support while strengthening the connection between shoppers and the farming community.
