CALL FOR SCOTTISH DAIRY FARMERS TO HELP SHAPE FUTURE OF RESPONSIBLE ANTIBIOTIC USE IN INDUSTRY

• Lidl GB and University of Glasgow call upon Scottish dairy farmers to share knowledge in virtual consultations on antibiotic usage
• Project bids to investigate the barriers faced in dairy farming to shape future of antibiotic use in industry
• Four year partnership forms part of retailer’s ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing

9th June 2021: Lidl GB is inviting Scottish dairy farmers to have their say on current guidelines and compliance surrounding antibiotic-use in the industry, as part of a four-year partnership with University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine.

The virtual consultations set out to listen to and understand the barriers nearly 900 dairy Scottish farmers across the country face when using antibiotics within the food chain.

As part of Lidl’s ongoing commitment to source responsibly, the project focuses on addressing the known gap between understanding farmer attitudes and supporting the industry to deliver responsible antibiotic usage. This forms part of the retailer’s ongoing support for the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance’s (RUMA) antibiotic reduction targets, which are outlined in their Antibiotic Stewardship Policy.

Amali Bunter, Head of Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Trade at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl we are continually monitoring and reviewing our supply chain to ensure we remain fully transparent to our loyal customers and support the highest levels of animal welfare.

“Through this exciting new partnership with University of Glasgow, we are seeking the first-hand knowledge and experience of our skilled Scottish dairy farmers to enable us to continue to choose the most responsible approach when it comes to animal antibiotics.”

An online survey, which will run until the end of August 2021 is open to all Scottish dairy farmers and can be found here.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

For further information contact: lidl@getlux.co.uk / 0131 555 6911

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl has experienced continuous growth and today has over 25,000 employees, over 860 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. With a presence in 32 countries around the world, the supermarket, which has more than 310,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 11,200 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres.

The family supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a turnover of €113.3 billion in the financial year 2019.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/