Last updated 25/06/2009
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Morrisons announces a ground-breaking joint venture with The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust to farm 700 acres on the Dumfries House Estate in East Ayrshire.
The Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will research how farming efficiency and sustainability can be further improved. It will aim to become a leading centre of excellence for farming research, working in a new partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College to drive research into sustainable farming models and share best practice throughout the industry, with the support of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS).
Dumfries House is one of the most architecturally significant houses in the country and was saved for the nation in 2007 by a consortium led by The Prince of Wales.
The consortium’s achievement of saving Dumfries House offered the surrounding community the opportunity of regeneration and the farm will continue this work, with the investment also providing the opportunity to contribute to further advancing the sustainability of farming in Scotland.
The farm will rear traditional cattle and sheep breeds, with the first livestock to arrive later this year being Shorthorn and Angus cattle. Some arable crop will be grown for animal feed. Research projects will focus on animal feeding, housing and welfare.
Morrisons Chief Executive, Marc Bolland, said: “We are pleased that through this joint venture at Dumfries House, in partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College and with the support of the NFUS, Morrisons is able to take a leading role in applied farm research to help further improve farming efficiency and sustainability.
“Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will be farming to a statement of principles that delivers efficiency and environmental sustainability and we will also be seeking to establish a similar venture in south east England to further apply farm research to benefit the long-term competitiveness of British farming.”
First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, said: “This excellent news is further proof of the undeniable value and importance of saving Dumfries House last year. The Scottish Government welcomes Morrisons’ further investment in Scotland. This is a significant tribute to the outstanding reputation of our farmers and quality of our produce.
“The Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will bring significant economic benefits to the local area and is a great example of the importance of innovation and research within the food chain. I am particularly delighted about Morrisons’ new partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College. Our commitment to innovation is evident and the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs will tomorrow (Fri) announce the next steps in Scotland’s first-ever National Food and Drink Policy. The new measures will enhance Scotland’s reputation for quality in food and drink to the benefit of our nation’s health, economy and environment.”
Jim McLaren, President NFU Scotland, said: “It is extremely good news for the agriculture industry that one of the country's leading retailers is willing to engage at this level. It is a real example to follow and by Morrisons investing in this way - not least by becoming farmers themselves - the understanding with the farming industry can be developed further. It is these kinds of initiatives that will help forge a sustainable future for our sector."
Scottish Agricultural College Principal and Chief Executive, Professor Bill McKelvey, commented: "This is an exciting initiative for the Scottish Agricultural College. It capitalises on SAC's strengths, combining applied research and development, with the transfer of knowledge and good practice. I believe the lessons learned on Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House can benefit many in the farming community in Scotland and across the UK."The Beef Shorthorn Society’s Frank Milnes, said: “The Beef Shorthorn Society are delighted that Morrisons is supporting the breed and British agriculture through farming at Dumfries House. Beef Shorthorns are ideally suited to Scotland as they are a progressive, native breed renowned for hardy, easy care animals which produce high quality beef. We look forward to helping to establish a pedigree herd of beef shorthorn cattle on Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House.”
Ron McHattie, Chief Executive of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, said: “The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society is delighted that Morrisons have entered into a joint venture with Dumfries House Estate. Their policy of only sourcing 100% British fresh beef and lamb is a testament to their commitment to UK agriculture. Aberdeen-Angus is unquestionably the leading brand in the red meat sector and it is fitting that the breed has been chosen by Morrisons as a major component part of this new enterprise. The Society looks forward to assisting with its future development.”Work is beginning on Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House this growing season to bring it into sustainable use. Morrisons will announce further details and plans later in the year.
For further information contact the Morrisons Press Office on: 08456 115 111
About Morrisons in Scotland
We are the UK's fourth largest food retailer with 382 stores. Our business is mainly food and grocery - the weekly shop. Every week 10 million customers pass through our doors and 117,000 colleagues across the business work hard each day to deliver great service to them. With competitive prices and hundreds of special offers, we are proud to save our customers money every day.
Morrisons has 52 stores across Scotland and employs over 13,000 people in Scotland.