Aldi is launching a new programme offering sustainability incentives to around 1,000 British beef farmers, combining premium payments with technical support to encourage more sustainable farming practices and strengthen the resilience of domestic beef production.
Developed in partnership with agrifood business ABP, the Grounded in Goodness scheme will reward farmers across England, Scotland, and Wales for implementing on-farm actions covering soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare. Participating farmers will receive payments on top of standard market prices, alongside access to specialist agronomic advice and peer learning networks.
The initiative aims to make sustainable farming practices more economically viable, recognising improvements already being made while encouraging further progress across the sector.
Recruitment begins this month, with the first cohort expected to be fully onboarded by spring 2027. A group of ‘horizon farmers’, already pioneering progressive farming approaches, will work with Aldi and ABP to pilot new practices and share their findings with the wider farming network.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said the scheme was designed to provide practical support and financial certainty as farmers contend with rising input costs, climate pressures and 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,” she said.
“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 & sustainability at ABP UK, said the sustainability incentives were intended to make environmental improvements an economically attractive proposition rather than an additional burden.
The programme has been developed with independent farm consultants to ensure its requirements are practical and relevant to British beef production systems, allowing farmers to make gradual improvements rather than overhaul their operations.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed Aldi’s commitment to British beef, highlighting the opportunity to recognise existing environmental progress while encouraging further sustainable farming practices.
“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,” he said.
Clare Wise, chair of the NFU Livestock Board, said the initiative could help build farmer confidence, unlock investment and support growth in the domestic beef industry.
Grounded in Goodness forms part of Aldi’s wider sustainability strategy, with the retailer positioning its sustainability incentives as a long-term investment in British agriculture and a more resilient beef supply chain.
Farmers interested in participating can click here for further information
[image credit: Green Retail World]
