Lidl makes 'fruit and veg pledge' to back British farmers

German discounter joins rival Aldi in signing up to farmers' union-backed code that aims to boost profitability of suppliers

Lidl has become only the second grocer to sign up to a 12-month-old scheme to back British farmers by promising to buy more of their produce and offer long-term supply deals.

The German discounter joins its close rival Aldi, which almost a year ago became the first retailer to sign up to the National Farmers Union-backed "fruit and veg pledge", which aims to boost the profitability of British farmers and suppliers.