Tesco, a leading retailer in the United Kingdom, is urging the government to provide a clear and comprehensive plan to support UK farmers in their transition to net zero emissions. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Tesco has announced plans to establish two low carbon concept farms in its supply chain. These farms will serve as testing grounds for innovative low carbon farming methods and will help suppliers accelerate their efforts towards sustainability.
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of a clear vision for sustainable agriculture during a session at the Oxford Farming Conference. He called for greater investment and policy certainty from the government to enable the industry to achieve sustainable economic growth. These recommendations are based on a new report, developed in collaboration with Harper Adams University, which consulted over 300 UK farmers on the future sustainability of the industry.
The research revealed that 74% of farmers are concerned about the impact of climate change on their farms, with two thirds already experiencing its effects. However, three quarters of farmers have been unable to implement all the environmental measures they desire due to high upfront costs, financial risks, and a lack of policy certainty from the government.
Tesco is advocating for government support through a long-term land use and food security strategy, increased funding for innovation that promotes sustainability, and the establishment of common environmental standards for farmers to measure against. The retailer also plans to support the industry by implementing clearer sustainability requirements and standards, simplifying data collection processes for farmers, and exploring new models and incentives to help manage investment risks.
In addition to these initiatives, Tesco has partnered with key suppliers to establish two low carbon concept farms in its UK supply chain. These farms will serve as innovation hubs, trialing new technologies and sharing best practices to promote the adoption of sustainable approaches. The farms, developed in partnership with potato supplier Branston and livestock processor ABP, will explore a range of innovations including low carbon fertilizers, alternative fuels, state-of-the-art cold storage, and carbon removal techniques. They will also focus on areas such as soil health, grazing management, biodiversity assessment, and genetic improvements.
The goal of these low carbon concept farms is to provide practical demonstrations of a pathway to net zero emissions, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices in the future. By collaborating with suppliers and investing in innovation, Tesco aims to drive positive change within its supply chain and contribute to the overall sustainability of the agriculture industry.
In conclusion, Tesco’s commitment to supporting UK farmers in their transition to net zero emissions is a crucial step towards achieving a more sustainable food system. By advocating for government support, investing in innovation, and partnering with key suppliers, Tesco is leading the way in promoting sustainable farming practices and driving positive change within the industry.
