Customer demand and industry prices for certain foods have fallen dramatically since the lockdown started - as one third was destined for the restaurant and catering trade which has closed.

Morrisons is to open a summer ‘BBQ and Steak Bar’ as well a ‘BBQ and Seafood Bar’ next week (Thursday) - to help struggling British farmers and fishermen, and to offer customers a wider range of fresh meat and fish.

Meat and fish producers have been unable to sell certain products - including high quality steaks, joints, whole fish and shellfish - that might have been destined for the restaurant trade.

Morrisons will open the steak and seafood bars to offer a wider selection of steaks, joints, and seafood.

Additionally Morrisons is offering a 5% discount on shopping for its farmers to thank them for feeding the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 5% discount will be offered to Morrisons’ 2,700 farmers when they buy their own groceries to support them and their families.

Farmers will receive a discount card in the post giving them a 5% discount on Morrisons shopping from today (Thursday 23rd April) which will last until July 12th when it will be reviewed.

Eligible farmers include livestock suppliers supplying lamb, beef and pork into Morrisons; egg farmers supplying Morrisons directly; dairy farmers with a Morrisons contract and fruit & veg growers supplying Morrisons directly.

David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “This is a difficult time for the nation and it’s a very difficult time for farmers and fishermen. We’re the biggest supermarket customer for British farmers and they continue to provide very good quality British food in the face of very real challenges. We want to show our thanks for all their work in feeding the nation and encourage our customers to buy British food.”

Morrisons offers discount and support to farmers during lockdown