The Government has joined the call to support British farmers online following an open letter that was signed by Rutland and Melton's MP, Alicia Kearns.

In August, Alicia Kearns signed an open letter from over 100 MPs calling on supermarkets to highlight the very best of British produce by incorporating a 'Buy British' section online. 

The letter, penned by Dr Luke Evans MP and supported by 110 cross-Party MPs, states: "Our ask is simple, create a tab that collates produce from farmers," citing consumer choice, environmental benefits and support for farmers as reasons to make the change. 

The 'Buy British' tab would collate produce from across the UK so customers have "greater power in their choices", enabling them to support the nation's farmers "quickly and easily". 

Now, the Government has joined the call for a 'Buy British' section on supermarkets' online stores.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: “Thousands of farmers and consumers across the nation have supported our call for a ‘Buy British’ section, now backed by the UK Government. 

“We know members of our communities want to know more about where their food comes from, and how it is produced. This simple change on a webpage will make it easier for all of us to buy high quality, locally made and environmentally more sustainable food and drink. 

“Buying British is good for our local food producers, good for the environment and good for consumer choice. It’s a win all round and I hope supermarkets take up this voluntary initiative.” 

In a recent survey carried out by the National Farmers Union, 61% of respondent farmers stated the supply chain and market volatility have negative impacts on their mental health, with 80% of dairy farmers in a second NFU survey citing cash flow and profitability as key factors which throw the future of their business into doubt. 

Farmers face an expensive harvest as domestic weather records – the driest February in 30 years, hottest June ever recorded and a notably wet July – as well as high import costs for energy, fuel and fertiliser threaten positive yields and profits. 

The open letter champions the work of Britain's farmers in ensuring food security, supporting strong local economies and preserving and protecting the environment, while empowering the public to be able to make easy choices in how they shop for their food. 

An open letter to supermarkets in support of buying British online has been signed by over 100 MPs. Image credit: Alicia Kearns / Dr Luke Evans.

On Back British Farming Day, 13 September 2023, the Government announced its support for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores, following an open letter signed by Alicia Kearns MP. 

Alicia joined calls for the ‘Buy British’ tab which would collate produce from across the UK when people are shopping for groceries. 

The letter champions the work of Britain’s farmers in ensuring food security, supporting strong local economies and preserving and protecting the environment, while empowering the public to be able to make easy choices in how they shop for their food. 

The Food and Farming Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has backed calls for industry-led action to signpost customers to ‘Buy British’ when they shop online and will support campaigns to endorse the taste and quality of home-grown meat and dairy products. 

An NFU petition in support of the campaign has, by Back British Farming Day on 13 September, reached over 17,000 signatures in only six days. 

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, who penned the letter, said: “I’m delighted the Government have endorsed my ‘Buy British’ button campaign which will make it easier for consumers to buy homegrown produce, support farmers and help to protect our environment. 

“Supermarkets say they are keen to support our food producers, yet this easy signposting doesn’t currently exist for the millions of people who prefer to do their food shop online. 

“Farmers, consumers and now the Government have all supported my call for the ‘Buy British’ section… I hope that the supermarkets will respond to the widespread demand for this simple change.” 

Thérèse Coffey, Food and Farming Secretary, said: “This Government will always back British farmers who produce some of the highest quality food in the world, contribute billions to our economy and are the custodians of our countryside.” 

Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union, said: “Britain’s farmers and growers are truly inspirational, and it is heart-warming to know the public really value the work we do in producing fantastic homegrown food. 

“We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food, but it is often tricky to determine what products are produced in the UK and this simple change would help the shoppers do that.” 

Do you buy British? Image credit: Nub News.