Lidl is claiming a UK supermarket first with accreditation from the Sustainable rice Platform for own-label lines.
SRP is a playbook of 41 practices to support environmental and social standards of a crop whose traditional production methods account for up to 40% of global freshwater usage and about 10% of global methane emissions.
By choosing verified rice, customers will be helping reduce these impacts, while also improving farmer incomes by making cultivation more efficient, according to Lidl. The standard also provides traceability across the supply chain.
Rice has the second-highest emissions of any food once land use change, fertilisers and transportation is taken into account, according to a study published in Nature in 2021.
Sustainable rice brand Nice Rice is also aligned with the initiative, and in 2024 won the Future of Food competition for its work tackling the impact of the category.
“Introducing SRP-verified rice is a major milestone in responsible sourcing, driving sustainability across the supply chain and meeting all of our 2025 raw material targets,” said Lidl GB head of quality and sustainability Charlotte Curtress.
“This verifiable standard directly addresses environmental challenges by protecting the planet, using fewer resources, and helping improve farmer incomes.
“Building on this milestone, we are already continuing our responsible sourcing work by conducting a Human Rights and Environmental Impact Assessment in the rice supply chain, collaborating with industry partners to identify and address further areas for activity.”
Sustainable Rice Platform executive director Peter McAllister said: “Rice has a significant impact on the climate and the local environment. By sourcing SRP-verified rice, Lidl GB sends a strong signal about its commitment to sustainability to its customers and at the same time directly helps farmers to be more productive, protect their local environment and ensure climate resilience.”
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