LONDON, ENGLAND — ADM on Feb. 2 unveiled a new supply chain initiative in which the company’s UK origination business, ADM Agriculture Ltd., will become the sole supplier for ADM Milling’s Tilbury site beginning with the 2021 wheat harvest.

ADM said the decision reflects the company’s desire to work more closely with farmers, shorten supply chains and build strong working relationships with the region’s farmer suppliers. ADM’s flour mill in Tilbury serves bakeries throughout London and southeast England.

“Provenance and sustainability are becoming increasingly important and ADM is part of this evolution, as we work together with UK farmers to adapt to the changes and incorporate new agricultural practices,” said Lewis Wright, trading director at ADM Milling.

Jonathan Lane, head of grain trading at ADM Agriculture, added, “By facilitating the direct purchase of milling wheat for our Tilbury flour mill, we intend to shorten the supply chain and increase the value and opportunity for all parties involved within this region.”

ADM said the new sourcing initiative will allow ADM Agriculture to increase its on-farm presence in the region with specially tailored on-farm contracts.