March 10, 2021

UK Morrisons targets supply from net zero carbon meat, poultry, and egg farms by 2030

British supermarket group Morrisons has targeted to be the first supermarket supplied only by net zero carbon British meat, poultry, eggs, and other farms by 2030, five years ahead of the market, Reuters reported.

Morrisons said it will work directly with its 3,000 farmers and growers in meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables to produce affordable net zero supplies.

The group projects eggs to be first to reach net zero carbon status by 2022, followed by lamb, fruit, vegetables, pork, and beef.

Morrisons said its farms will reduce carbon emission by rearing different livestock breeds, use low food-mile feedstuffs, utilise renewable energy and low emission housing, and reduce the use of water and fertiliser.

The UK National Farmers Union has urged farmers to work towards a net zero emissions goal by 2040, while other supermarket groups are targeting 2035.

Morrisons is UK farming's biggest customer, and the fourth biggest supermarket group by sales behind Tesco, Sainsburys, and Asda.

David Potts, Morrisons CEO, said the group is in a unique position to guide their farms and lead changes in environmental practices.

A net zero or carbon neutral farm means farming activities result in no impact on the climate from greenhouse gas emissions. Britain passed a law in 2019 targeting net zero emissions by 2050.

Morrisons said 10% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions come from domestic agriculture.

- Reuters