December 15, 2023

Marks and Spencer launch initiative to help UK farmers achieve net zero carbon goal

United Kingdom-based Marks and Spencer (M&S) has unveiled its ambitious "Farm of the Future" programme, a seven-year initiative aimed at assisting UK livestock farmers in rapidly decarbonising production processes to hit the net zero carbon goal by 2040, Pig World reported.

The initiative will focus on sustainable on-farm activities in collaboration with suppliers and Harper Adams University's School of Sustainable Food and Farming.

The programme will work with selected M&S focus farms across six production sectors, including pork, beef, lamb, dairy, chicken, and eggs. These farms will receive guidance on decarbonisation, wildlife maximisation, habitat creation, and identification of areas where systemic change is necessary.

Steve McLean, Head of agriculture & fisheries at M&S Food, said the initiative is part of the company’s sustainability action plan ‘Plan A’, to reduce their carbon footprint to net zero by 2040. Over 70% of the emissions of the company’s food business come from primary agriculture, particularly the livestock and ruminant sectors.

McLean said the company is committed to supporting M&S Select Farmers in navigating challenges while continuing to produce affordable, high-quality, and sustainably sourced food. The findings and innovations from the initiative will be shared across the entire supply base and the broader industry to foster meaningful change.

The initiative also aims to establish a supportive network, enabling recognised practitioners in agricultural sustainability to provide guidance on farm efficiency and animal welfare. The collaboration involves key partners such as Cranswick, Skea Eggs, Dunbia, Scotbeef, Linden Foods, Müller, and 2 Sisters Food Group, building on the success of their 2021 "Farming with Nature" programme.

-      Pig World