Farmers welcome Tesco’s pledge

FARMERS in Scotland have welcomed a pledge from Tesco’s chief executive to “bring the food we sell closer to home”.

Philip Clarke wrote to customers last week promising to buy more British beef, lamb, chicken and pork.

He said: “I know that the discovery of horsemeat in products sold in several major retailers, including Tesco, has shaken your trust in food retailers and the products we sell.

“Today I make you a promise. Tesco is going to bring the food we sell closer to home. We’re going to make how we source our food simpler, more transparent and shorter, and we will build better relationships with our nation’s farmers.”

The pledge was welcomed by National Union of Farmers Scottish president Nigel Miller. He said: “Mr Clarke made some admirable pledges today, and, if delivered upon, they represent a major cultural shift for Britain’s largest retailer.

“He acknowledged relationships with suppliers have not always been based on true collaboration and promised to fix that as soon as possible. This, and other promises to look at shorter supply chains for all ranges and to back up products with a thorough DNA testing regime, is very positive. NFU Scotland looks forward to meeting with Tesco soon to find out exactly how this new approach will affect our members in practice.”