The NFU has its Plants and Flowers Pledge and is challenging retailers to back British plants and flowers growers by committing to delivering fairness in the supply chain.

With only around 10% of the flowers regularly on offer to the public in supermarkets being from British farms, Aldi is the first retailer to sign up to the pledge.

The pledge ensures that ornamental suppliers are covered by the principles of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice in the same way as fresh produce suppliers.

It also sets out best practice for managing promotions, the need for longer term agreements, and challenges the industry to increase the proportion of British plants and flowers available for consumers to buy.

Aldi has become the first retailer to sign the new pledge, adding it to their existing commitments under the NFU Fruit and Veg Pledge.

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Ali Capper said: “The NFU Plants and Flowers Pledge is a fantastic platform for retailers to demonstrate their commitment to British horticulture and the growers that make it thrive, and there is no better occasion to mark its launch than British Flowers Week.

NFU vice president Stuart Roberts said: “We have a plentiful source of local, seasonal plants and flowers that are ready to be utilised and a network of growers keen to provide more for the public. I would urge all retailers to sign the pledge and back British farming.”