UK retailer launches farmer support fund for sustainability

Photo credit: Co-op
Co-op has introduced a £820,000 (€968,700) fund to support sustainable farming efforts, building on the retailer’s long-term investment in UK agriculture. This investment by the convenience retailer will see farmers directly rewarded for their efforts in reducing carbon emissions and promoting nature on their farms across beef, lamb and dairy sectors as part of two new sustainability projects, the company says.
Co-op was the first national UK grocer to have 100% of all its fresh and frozen chicken, pork, beef and lamb sourced from UK farms including when used as an ingredient, a commitment which began in 2014. It only sells British free-range eggs, milk and cream as well.
The 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 will focus 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 in reducing their carbon footprint and begin to baseline key nature indicators like biodiversity and soil health
Sustainability payments will be rewarded to the farms as part of the project, while farmers will be able to choose an action plan that works for them, with support from Soil Association Exchange advisors, which could include cutting fertiliser use, increasing fuel efficiency, and investing in solar energy.
Tom Bramall, dairy farmer and chair of the Co-op Dairy Group, says, “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 the company’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact and support its suppliers in doing the same.