Co-op Dairy Group Launches £820,000 Fund to Enhance Sustainable Farming Practices

Co-op Enhances Sustainable Farming Initiatives

Co-op has announced a significant boost to sustainable agriculture with the introduction of a £820,000 (€968,700) fund aimed at rewarding farmers for sustainable practices. This initiative builds on the retailer’s long-term commitment to UK agriculture and targets reductions in carbon emissions across beef, lamb, and dairy sectors.

Co-op’s dedication to supporting UK farmers is longstanding, having committed in 2014 to sourcing 100% of its fresh and frozen chicken, pork, beef, and lamb from UK farms. The retailer also exclusively sells British free-range eggs, milk, and cream. The newly announced fund will bolster this commitment by directly incentivizing farmers who implement sustainable practices.

Innovation in Dairy Farming

The funding will be funneled into two key projects that offer sustainability payments over the standard product prices. In partnership with the Soil Association Exchange, the Co-op will aid 140 farmers in its dairy group to reduce their carbon footprint and assess nature indicators such as biodiversity and soil health. Farmers can pursue tailored action plans with expert guidance, potentially including reducing fertilizer use, enhancing fuel efficiency, and investing in solar technology.

Tom Bramall, a dairy farmer and chair of the Co-op Dairy Group, expressed optimism about the initiative: “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.”

Strategic Environmental Commitment

This scheme is integral to Co-op’s broader environmental strategy, positioning the retailer and its suppliers as leaders in sustainability within the agriculture sector.