MPs are backing calls for a ‘Buy British’ filter to be added to supermarket websites, allowing customers to select homegrown produce.
More than 110 MPs signed an open letter written by Conservative MP for Bosworth, Dr Luke Evans, to the chief executives of eight supermarkets asking for the tab to be added to their websites.
Dr Evans’ letter said: “We hear time and time again from farmers themselves that the best way to support them is to buy British produce. By signposting shoppers, you give consumers who want to support our nation’s farmers even greater choice.”
Dr Evans emphasised that this ‘small change’ could make a significance difference to the industry and would demonstrate a commitment to UK farmers. He said that by encouraging consumers to buy homegrown produce, the impact will be seen across the economy, as well as having a positive impact on the industry’s carbon footprint.
The letter concluded: “A ‘Buy British’ button on your online store would give customers greater power in their choices, while recognising British farmers and putting supermarkets as the critical link between the two.”
Read the letter in full here.
NFU President, Minette Batters said: “We have been asking retailers to commit to signposting British produce for a number of years, so it’s great to see MPs and their constituents getting behind the idea of a ‘buy British tab’ online.
“We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food, but it is often tricky to determine what products are produced in the UK and this simple change would help shoppers do that.”
At present, most supermarkets do not have a ‘Buy British’ filter across their sites, although Sainsbury’s and Waitrose include sections for seasonal homegrown fruit and vegetable. Sainsbury’s also has an option for customers to choose domestic meat and fish whilst Ocado has a ‘Best of British’ page.
