THE NFU has met with supermarket Tesco to discuss its commitments to “source closer to home” and to build partnerships with UK farmers.

It comes after Tesco announced its ambitions to build partnerships, become more transparent and to make “real changes to the way Tesco sources”, as revealed by the supermarket’s chief executive Philip Clarke at the NFU Conference last month.

The NFU said it welcomed the sentiment of Tesco’s announcements and is reassured that the sector’s biggest industry customer recognises the important role farmers play in delivering quality food for their consumers.

NFU president Peter Kendall said: “We recognise the significance of Tesco’s commitments and will be working closely with its team to ensure the retailer’s sentiments and latest commitments deliver real value to the sustainability of the UK farming industry.

“What we want to see is measurable changes on sourcing, longer-term commitments and improved relationships.

The meeting was a first step in working towards these goals and it showed clear signs that Tesco wants to build partnerships.”