British supermarket Tesco is inviting British sheep farmers from across its supply base to take part in a trial of a cost-of-production model for lamb.
If the trial proves successful, the retailer said it would the first major UK supermarket to implement such a model, which would "help address some of the volatility in the UK lamb market".
Data collected over the 12-month period of the trial will help the grocery retailer assess the cost of production across a variety of production systems.
Independent sheep consultants will select farmers to form the core trial group, and they will also collate and evaluate the data.
According to Tesco, successful applicants will be chosen according to seasonality, production type, geographic location and farm size.
Tesco said it plans to help foster and mentor fresh farming talent with provision being made to ensure that at least 25 per cent of the group will represent young farmers under the age of 35.
The supermarket will also look at opportunities to improve supply chain efficiencies across the lamb industry, to maximise productivity and help British lamb producers manage risk more effectively.
Tesco lamb farmers interested in applying for the trial must submit applications by February 25th.
Speaking on the project, Matt Simister, commercial director for fresh food at Tesco, said: "Tesco has a long history of supporting UK agriculture and we recognise the quality, expertise and commitment of British lamb farmers to provide the best possible produce for customers."
He said the retailer works hard to have an "open and transparent dialogue" with all of its farmers and producers of British lamb, as well as the wider farming community, so that together they can deliver a "truly sustainable farming industry".
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