UK supermarket Waitrose has launched a £500,000 fund to support British farmers in their transition to net zero emissions.
Part of Waitrose’s ‘Farming For Nature’ programme, the net zero farm fund will finance projects by farmers and suppliers that will support the adoption of low carbon farming practices. The fund will see individual grants made available to British farmers or producers who supply Waitrose.
The programme will invite applications to fund projects that will reduce the carbon emissions associated with the products supplied to Waitrose, as well as helping boost resilience to combat the effects of climate change.
James Bailey, executive director at Waitrose, said: “We know every farm is unique and we want to ensure that our Waitrose Farmers have the support they need to make nature-friendly changes that work for them.
“The fund is about giving farmers access to financial backing to invest in sustainable practices that will benefit their farms in the long run and support a rapid reduction in the carbon footprint of the food we eat.”
Welcoming the initiative, Harry Thompson, Waitrose chicken farmer for Pilgrim’s Europe, commented: “This is a fantastic announcement from Waitrose. It really highlights the partnership relationship that we have with them; whenever they are backing British farming and supporting my farm, they become more efficient and lower our carbon footprint to support us on our net zero journey.
“This is important at a time when farmers are having a lot thrown at them; all support is greatly appreciated, and it really strengthens the farm to fork connection. Ultimately, moves like this are important, that we are collectively going forward with a strong vision as a strong partnership.”
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs stated: “Climate change is a significant threat to agriculture and our broader food system, and reducing emissions from the sector is vital to meeting our net zero commitments. I’m extremely pleased to see new funds, such as Waitrose’s net zero farm fund, support the adoption of low carbon farming practices.
“Funds such as these complement the Government’s focus on ensuring farming becomes more profitable and businesses are viable for the future – delivering the long-term food security this country needs while protecting nature’s capacity to provide the stable climate, clean water and healthy soils that make farming possible.”
