Lidl has announced plans to offer farmers financial incentives to boost egg production and has called on other retailers to take similar steps.

The discount grocer said it has invested around £40 million into its existing egg suppliers this year, which will be put towards giving new and existing farmers additional investment on top of market rates.

Lidl added that the investment will enable farmers to diversify their existing businesses and support them through long term contracts which will give them the security and confidence to build their business.

Martin Kottbauer, chief trading officer at Lidl GB, said that the past year had been challenging for the British egg industry and reinforced the company’s commitment to sourcing fresh shell British eggs.

“As an industry we need to be doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of the British egg sector, which is why we have taken steps to offer incentives and security for farmers to expand into egg production. This approach, which is supported by long term contracts, is giving our suppliers much needed confidence to invest in their businesses and further secure their futures. We would urge other retailers to do the same,” Kottbauer said.

Earlier this month Sainsbury’s announced a £6 million investment in the dairy industry. Farmers will receive an extra 1p per litre of milk meaning that the average farm will receive around £27,000 extra per year.

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