The Co-op has become the second retailer to sign the NFU's Plants & Flowers pledge.
The commitment aims to promotetransparency and fairness across the £1.3 billion UK ornamentals sector. It makes a number of assurances to British growers, including fair treatment of all suppliers in accordance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, offering greater price certainty to growers and providing a wider choice of seasonal British plants and flowers for shoppers to buy.
The pledge demonstrates a public commitment from retailers to British growers, which will enable them to invest and grow production, providing high-quality plants and flowers to customers at all price points, according to the NFU.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “We are delighted that Co-op has signed the pledge which supports and protects British growers and recognises the efforts they make to produce high-quality produce.
“British growers produce iconic plants and flowers such as daffodils and chrysanthemums, and over the past 20 years the ornamentals sector has doubled in farmgate value from £650m to around £1.3bn. The sector is a crucial part of the UK’s horticultural industry, employing around 300,000 people across production, retail and landscaping.
“Co-op has committed to working closely with suppliers to promote fairness and build long-term relationships. We urge other retailers to show their support by signing the NFU’s Plant and Flowers Pledge.”
Caroline Mason, head of agriculture at Co-op, said: “We’re delighted to be championing the NFU Plants and Flowers pledge as a proud supporter of British farmers and growers. Our customers and members love home-grown flowers and we’ll continue to offer British flower varieties when in season, all year round.”
