Waitrose gives 100 per cent to British dairy produce

The 100 per cent British commitment , which comes into effect from September 2009 – as Waitrose celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Dairy Farmers Milk Scheme – will include any dairy ingredients used in Waitrose own-label yoghurts, dairy ice-cream, milk, cream, cheddar and butter.

The scheme, in which Waitrose partners more than 60 British dairy farmers, ensures that the supermarket chain stocks the highest quality milk, fully traceable from farm to fridge, and that partner farmers are paid the fairest price for dairy products.

 The investment also maintains Waitrose commitment to animal welfare; Waitrose cows are said to lead “happy, healthy lives”, with the premium price paid to dairy farmers helping to ensure that their animals enjoy the freedom to graze; healthy, varied and well-balanced diets; and regular health check-ups.

The ‘100 per cent British’ decision will clearly benefit the company’s plans to reduce food miles – the distance food travels between where it is produced and where it is sold. By supporting local and regional producers in the UK, Waitrose aims to achieve a 15 per cent reduction in energy-related CO2 emissions from store deliveries by 2013.

This strong show of support for dairy farmers who are practicing sensible and sustainable production comes at a time when serious questions are being asked about UK food security and sustainability. Waitrose central buyer – Dairy, Jane Hills, said: “Through establishing the Milk Scheme, we have been able to secure the long-term supply of top-quality milk for our customers and ensure reinvestment in each of our farmer’s businesses. Producers are rewarded for achieving the high standards expected, which has given them confidence for the future.”

When the Waitrose Dairy Farmers Milk Scheme was established in 1999, farms were selected based on shared values and a commitment to delivering the highest standards, in particular working with Waitrose to ensure high levels of care for their cattle and the countryside, and to promote sustainable farming. The company now claims that Waitrose Dairy Farmers dedicate between 10 per cent and 25 per cent of their farmland to conserving wildlife, verses a UK average of just five per cent.