Around 1,000 beef farmers across England, Scotland and Wales will come together as part of the initiative to commit to implementing on-farm actions covering soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare.

Participating farmers will receive premium farm payments on top of standard market prices, alongside access to agronomic advice and peer learning networks. Producers will be recruited from October 2026, with the first cohort to be fully onboarded by spring 2027.

A group of Horizon Farmers will work with ABP UK and Aldi to pilot new approaches and share learnings across the ‘Grounded in Goodness’ network, aiming to ensure that the scheme is practical and deliverable by farmers.

Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, commented: “British beef farmers are facing real challenges right now, from rising input costs and climate pressures to the transition away from direct subsidies. Grounded in Goodness is designed to provide practical support and financial certainty that helps farmers invest in their businesses for the long term.

“We’ve worked closely with ABP and with farmers to develop a scheme that recognises what’s already working and provides a clear framework for those who want to go further.

“Supporting British agriculture has always been central to our approach, and this initiative is another example of that long-term commitment. By investing in the farmers who supply us, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient British beef supply chain that is fit for the future.”

Phil Hambling, director of agriculture and sustainability at ABP UK, stated: “What makes this scheme different is that it starts with farmer viability. The premium farm payments, technical support and flexibility in how farmers participate are all designed to make sustainable farming economically attractive rather than an additional burden.

“We’ve worked with independent farm consultants to ensure the actions in the scheme are practical, proven and relevant to British beef systems.

“Farmers aren’t being asked to transform their operations overnight – they’re being offered a partnership that supports gradual, meaningful improvement over time.”

“This scheme provides a strong incentive for further sustainable farming practices, while supporting profitable beef production.”

NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said: “We welcome Aldi’s commitment to build on their investment in British beef through this new programme. British beef is world-renowned for its animal welfare and environmental standards. Retailers play a vital role in supporting British farmers and giving consumers confidence in the quality of the food they purchase.

“By recognising and rewarding the environmentally beneficial actions that are already being delivered on our farms, this scheme provides a strong incentive for further sustainable farming practices, while supporting profitable beef production.”