Sainsbury's has set a new price paid to its British dairy farmers through the sustainable Cost of Production (COP) model.

Due to the cost decrease of fertiliser and feed, from 1st January 2014, the standard price is 33.72 pence per litre (ppl).

One of the unique elements of the COP is the quarterly review of the key input costs - feed, fuel and fertiliser -the recent drop in fertiliser and feed costs means the price paid to farmers has been adjusted by 0.43ppl. The new price of 33.72ppl has been set for dairy Farmers who are part of Sainsbury's Dairy Development Group (SDDG).

The price is paid through a model which is designed to reward SDDG farmers for outstanding animal welfare and environmental standards, while being sustainable for the whole supply chain.

This ensures that the most volatile elements of costs are reviewed every quarter and the COP milk price changes to reflect these varying costs, in turn ensuring a fair and sustainable deal for all involved.

Notes to editors

  • The COP model is implemented across farmers that supply by Sainsbury's fresh milk.
  • Farmers in the SDDG across Wales, England and Scotland benefit from the COP model.
  • As part of Sainsbury's 20x20 Sustainability Plan, by 2020 Sainsbury's will source all key raw materials and commodities sustainably to an independent standard. The plan also includes doubling sales of British food and being number 1 for animal welfare.
  • Last month we allocated a second round of R&D application grants where £1 million is being pledged through the initiative. 
  • Sainsbury's has supported British farming for 140 years and we continue to work collaboratively for the best solutions on price, animal welfare and carbon efficiencies. In 2006 Sainsbury's Dairy Development Group was set up. Sainsbury's now has 10 agricultural Development Groups including Pork, Lamb, Cheese, Wheat and Veal.
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