UK supermarket Morrisons will offer discounts to its contracted suppliers as part of its investment into British farming.

As part of a yearly £1.4 billion investment, Morrisons has announced that it will bring forward support planned for December by offering a 5% discount for farmers to use in its stores and online.

The supermarket’s livestock suppliers who provide lamb, beef and pork, as well as egg farmers, fruit and veg growers and dairy farmers who supply Morrisons directly will benefit from the discount, said Morrisons.

The 5% discount for farmers expands Morrisons’ package of business support for UK farming, which already includes long term contracts and cash flow programmes.

Rami Baitiéh, Morrisons chief executive officer, said: “Now and always we stand shoulder to shoulder with British farmers; some of the unsung heroes of our society, growing and providing home-grown food, which we all benefit from every day.

“As British farming’s single biggest direct customer and in light of the recent Budget, our £1.4 billion investment in UK farming demonstrates our core commitment to long term relationships through contracts, cashflow schemes and practical industry support.”