Co-op is supporting British farmers with an £820K fund for sustainable farming efforts, building on its long-term investment in UK agriculture.
The investment in two major sustainability projects will see farmers directly rewarded for efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote nature on their land across the beef, lamb and dairy sectors.
Co-op is a long-term supporter of British farming; it was the first national UK grocer to have 100% of its fresh and frozen chicken, pork, beef and lamb sourced from UK farms, a commitment dating back to 2014. The convenience retailer only sells British free-range eggs, milk and cream too.
Managing director Matt Hood said: “We know British farmers are facing many challenges and have seen first-hand the fear, anxiety and anger they are currently feeling.
“Backing UK agriculture is more important than ever – at Co-op, this means investing hundreds of millions every year to be one of the few UK retailers to be totally 100% British across meat, poultry and dairy throughout our own supply chain and committing support for farmers addressing the growing need for sustainability and climate resilience.”
The £820k fund will be allocated across two key projects, with participating farmers able to access sustainability payments above the price they are already paid for their products.
The first project focuses on the dairy sector and will see Co-op partnering with the Soil Association Exchange to support the 140 farmers in its Dairy Farming Group, reducing their carbon footprint and modelling key nature indicators like biodiversity and soil health.
Farms will be rewarded with sustainability payments, and farmers can choose an action plan that works for them, with support from Soil Association Exchange advisers. This could include cutting fertiliser use, increasing fuel efficiency, and investing in solar energy.
The second project, Co-op’s Beef Sustainability Scheme, will reward farmers for adopting on-farm sustainable practices and is open to members of Co-op’s farming Group.
The scheme, which launches after a successful two-year pilot, will be extended to 15% of the retailer’s beef supply chain this year, including lamb farmers for the first time.
It’s anticipated more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon could be saved under the programme over a five-year period as the percentage of eligible beef and lamb supply grows. Farmers will reduce their environmental impact through a range of actions, from breeding more efficient animals to improving forage quality.
Tom Bramall, dairy farmer and Chair of the Co-op Dairy Group, said: “In these uncertain times for our industry, we need to work together across the supply chain. Farmers like me want to play our part when it comes to sustainability, but we need support.
“It’s fantastic to see the Co-op directly rewarding farmers and recognise the positive role we play in addressing the issues around climate change. I appreciate the significant investment this is for Co-op in us and look forward to working in partnership with them over the coming years.”
The schemes are part of Co-op’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact and support its suppliers in doing the same.
