Marks & Spencer has struck two contracts with British meat suppliers that are expected to benefit hard-pressed farmers.

M&S has invested £2.1bn in the decade-long lamb and beef contracts with suppliers ABP and Dunbia, wich will support 3,500 British farms providing products for its Select range.

The retailer said the lengthy contracts “give suppliers the confidence to invest in the latest technology and methods to maintain M&S’ leading quality”, and come as farmers have faced a variety of financial pressures including as a result of the war in the Middle East.

M&S Food managing director Alex Freudmann said: “M&S Food offers the best quality at great value, and it’s our British farmers who uphold our market-leading welfare standards, and produce food to the quality our customers expect.

“But farmers face a number of challenges and now more than ever need UK retailers to commit to sourcing from within the UK. Our long-term commitment to sourcing British fresh lamb and beef will support longer-term investments and security for farmers for years to come.”

One farmer who supplies M&S said: “A decade-long agreement sends a strong message in support of British farmers. Long-term stability is essential if we’re going to keep improving our businesses and planning for the next generation. M&S has always been a retailer we trust to support producers, and this contract reinforces that commitment in a way that really makes a difference on the ground.”

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