The new voluntary scheme will help farmer-owners secure a guaranteed price and shelter for their calves at conception
Arla and Sainsbury’s have collaborated on integrated beef programme. (Credit: Arla Foods)
Dairy cooperative Arla Foods has collaborated with UK-based supermarket chain Sainsbury’s to launch an integrated beef programme.
The new voluntary scheme has been designed to help farmer-owners secure a guaranteed price and shelter for their calves at conception when producing Aberdeen Angus beef for the retailer’s premium ‘Taste the Difference’.
Arla agriculture innovation manager Kate Liversidge said: “Since we announced our ‘Every calf has a value’ policy we have been working across the supply chain to identify new outlets for our farmer-owners.
“The cornerstone of this collaboration with Sainsbury’s and ABP is a forward commitment to purchase calves in line with agreed specifications, which will give both Arla dairy farmers and the finished beef producers confidence in forming a long-term supplying relationship with Sainsbury’s.”
Arla and Sainsbury’s will work with beef processor ABP via Blade Farming operation to find a guaranteed price and home for every calf that meets its specification.
The partnership will facilitate Sainsbury’s to offer consistent taste across its ‘Taste the Difference’ range
The collaboration will facilitate the retailer to offer consistent taste across its ‘Taste the Difference’ range, in addition to improving traceability and consistent animal welfare standards.
Via the partnership, Arla farmers can use specific Aberdeen Angus genetics on their herd, as they prepare to implement Every calf has a value’ policy, which will be effective from the end of this year across all Arla farms.
Arla stated that the scheme is applicable for all Arla Farmers as long as their herd is predominantly Holstein or Holstein/Friesian and they meet the criteria such as all year round calving and milk recording.
Aberdeen Angus calves produced on Arla dairy farms will be shifted to rearing units before being grown and finished on dedicated farms.
Sainsbury’s beef agriculture manager Jocelyn Orr said: “Providing our customers with a consistent end product and eating experience is challenging when sourcing beef animals from a wide range of breeds and farming systems.
“By working closely with Arla and ABP, we want to create a supply chain that is fully integrated, can deliver that consistency and is going to safeguard a home for calves produced by Arla dairy farmers and the Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group.”
In November 2019, British supermarket chain Waitrose announced its plans to source all of its own-label fresh and frozen lamb from British lamb producers 365 days a year, starting from the summer of 2021.