British Sustainable Farming Funds

The Co-Op has announced a £820,000 sustainability fund aimed at supporting British farmers in reducing carbon emissions and promoting nature on their farms. This fund is part of two new sustainability projects targeting the beef, lamb, and dairy sectors. The first project focuses on the dairy sector, partnering with the Soil Association Exchange to support 140 farmers in reducing their carbon footprint and establishing baseline nature indicators such as biodiversity and soil health. Farmers participating in this project will receive sustainability payments above the price they are already paid for their products.

The second project, the Beef Sustainability Scheme, rewards farmers for adopting sustainable practices on their farms. This scheme, which follows a successful two-year pilot, will be extended to 15% of the retailer's beef supply chain and will include lamb farmers for the first time. Over a five-year period, the programme aims to save more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon by encouraging actions such as breeding more efficient animals and improving forage quality. The Co-Op's long-term commitment to UK agriculture underscores its dedication to sustainability and climate resilience.

Image Credit: The Co-Op Group