Waitrose is demonstrating its backing for UK agriculture with the launch of its Centre for Sustainable Agriculture at Lancaster University.
The facility will provide academic research, training to professionals working in the food industry - including suppliers such as farmers - and offering an MSc in sustainable food crop production.
Launched in partnership with Lancaster Environment Centre, it will focus on issues such as improving food quality as well reducing the impact of food production on the environment.
It will also seek to develop new ways of integrating agriculture with regional development.
Waitrose said the centre, which will be housed in a state-of-the-art laboratory on the university campus, highlights the importance it places on improving food production for the benefit of its customers.
Angela Megson, director of buying, said: “We are delighted to be working with Lancaster University on another industry first. Waitrose prides itself on the quality of its foods and the methods used to produce them.
“We look forward to working with our suppliers, growers and the expertise of Lancaster University.”
