One of the UK’s biggest retailers has highlighted how food produced in Northern Ireland is currently being sold on the shelves of Marks and Spencer (M&S) stores across the UK.

The retailer has also confirmed its commitment to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the UK.

One key issue that M&S management has identified as being a negative factor within the sustainability debate is the extension of inheritance tax to farmland that is a UK government policy.

Head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S Food, Steve McLean, told Agriland, about the retailer’s approach to its suppliers in Northern Ireland.

McLean said: “We are particularly committed to agriculture in Northern Ireland, 70%of our shell eggs come from the Skea organisation.

“The team at ABP and Linden Foods continue to excite and excel where beef and lamb are concerned.

“And this has a massively positive impact on the amount of product coming in form Northern Ireland, which is subsequently sold in M&S outlets throughout the UK.”

“We are involved in a lot of positive developments, where our milk pool is concerned.”

Last week M&S also announced it was expanding its partnership with Co. Armagh-based Gilfresh Produce to supply Irish parsnips to M&S stores across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Shaun Doherty, senior agronomist at M&S, said the collaboration exemplifies its dedication to sustainability.

“By working closely with growers to implement renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly practices, we’re not only enhancing produce quality but also contributing to a healthier environment for future generations,” he added.

M&S

Speaking to Agriland at the 2025 Balmoral Show last week the head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S Food said the drive continues to develop long-term working relationships between the retailer and its suppliers.

“This process is at the very heart of our sustainability agenda.

“Currently we are seeing livestock and milk prices at a very positive point for farmers. And we are also seeing this coming through in the quality of the product.

“Farmers have needed a price boost. Moreover, this is recognised throughout the whole of the supply chain,” McLean added.

He also recognises the need for farmers to invest in the future of their businesses.

McLean said: “It’s important that farming businesses have the confidence to encourage new entrants when it comes to the issue of succession.

“Government has used a very blunt tool, where the issue of inheritance tax is concerned. Yes, the decision taken by the government has focused farmers’ minds on the subject of succession within their businesses.

“But the issue is that of the seven-year transition.”

McLean also outlined the importance of sustainable farming to the retailer.

“From an M&S perspective. we want to see agriculture having a long-term future. And this means allowing farmers to make sustainable profits now.

“In turn, this will provide then with the ability to invest for the future.

“We have no food base without a very strong farmer and grower supply chain, operating throughout the UK.

“We rely on about 8,500 livestock farms and 700 fresh produce farms to supply the great quality food that our customers expect,” he added.

McLean said M&S is “very UK-centric in terms of its approach”.

“It’s a policy that delivers best quality. It is also doing a great job where sustainability is concerned.

“Our customers also want us to support farming throughout the UK,” he said.

Balmoral Show results overview: Day 4

Commercial cattle classes

Champion: MCV Competitions

Reserve: RMC Commercial Cattle

Junior Champion: MCV Competitions

Reserve: RMC Commercial Cattle

Best Commercial Heifer Clas

1^st: MCV Competitions
2^nd: RMC Commercial Cattle

Best Commercial Beef Steer Class

1^st: S & J Smyth
2^nd: Jacob McAuley

Best Exhibitor-bred animal

1^st: MCV Competitions
2^nd: Fergal Gormley

Pairs’ class

1^st: Jalex Livestock
2^nd: Mya Alexander

Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 639

1^st: S & J Smyth
2^nd: Mya Alexander

Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 640

1^st: MCV Competitions
2^nd: RMC Commercial Cattle

Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 641

1^st: JCB Commercials
2^nd: Jalex Livestock

Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age

1^st: S & J Smyth
2^nd: Jacob McAuley

Beef Inter-Breed classes

Champion of Champions: Stephen Maginn

Reserve: Deerpark Limousin

Junior Champion of Champions: MCV Competitions

Reserve: Robert McWilliams

Native Pairs’ Champion: William Porter

Reserve: Stephen Cherry and Dorepoll Herefords

Continental Pairs’ Champion: S & J Smyth

Reserve: Kieran McCrory and P & S Murphy

Inter-Breed Team of Five Champions, native breed: Leanne Green and Cherryvalley Farms

Reserve: Lucy Rodgers and William Porter

Inter-Breed Team of Five Champions, continental breed: D & S Murphy: DG Green & Sons; Deerpark Limousin; Trevor Shields; Kieran McCrory

Reserve: WD & JA Connolly; Alan Wilson; Robert McWilliams; Brownhill herd; Eoin McGovern

Inter-Breed Group Champions native breeds: Leanne Green and Cherryvalley Farms

Reserve: William Porter

Inter-Breed Group Champions,continental breeds: P & S Murphy; Trevor Shields; Kieran McCrory

Reserve: WD & JA Connolly; Alan Wilson; Robert McWilliams

Jake Piggot, from Killinchy Co. Down, was the Sheep Young Hander Champion at Balmoral Show 2025. He was congratulated by LMC board member, David Mark

Sheep Inter–Breed classes

Inter-Breed Champion: Graham Foster

Reserve: Limestone Farms

Inter-Breed Pairs’ Champion: Elizabeth McAllister

Reserve: Christian Hill and Alistair Moore

Group Of Three Champion: Loughbrae Livestock; Glenbrook Farm;

Reserve: John Ferguson

Champion Young Handler: Jake Piggott

Reserve: Mazie Bradley

Goat classes

Champion: Marcus Galbraith

Reserve: Marcus Galbraith

Best Goat in Milk Class

1^st: Marcus Galbraith
2^nd: Marcus Galbraith

Best Goatling Class

1^st: Marcus Galbraith
2^nd: N & D Lennox

Pig classes

Inter-Breed Champion: Trevor Shields

Reserve: Clare and Gary Wright

Landrace Champion: Amanda Stewart

Large White Champion: Trevor Shields

Reserve: Trevor Shields

M&S

Related Stories:

Balmoral 2025: Lively competition expected in the cattle rings

Annaghmore Fitz Atlee takes the plaudits on Balmoral Show Day 3

Balmoral Show: ‘High standards’ in stock across cattle classes

Articles by tag: NI food

Accurate and stress-free pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows

M&S 'committed' to agriculture in Northern Ireland