As climate change continues to disrupt global food systems, the UK agricultural sector faces mounting challenges that demand urgent attention. Leading the call for transformative action, Tesco has urged the UK government to create a clear, long-term strategy for agriculture. This comes alongside the launch of Tesco’s innovative low-carbon concept farms, designed to help farmers transition towards more sustainable practices and achieve net-zero emissions.
The Farmers’ Perspective
Research commissioned by Tesco in collaboration with Harper Adams University surveyed over 300 UK farmers, uncovering significant concerns within the industry:
- 74% of farmers are worried about the effects of climate change on their farms.
- 67% are already experiencing climate-related impacts.
- 76% haven’t implemented necessary environmental measures due to high upfront costs, limited financial returns, and policy uncertainty.
Farmers want the government to prioritise a long-term food and agriculture policy, with funding to support innovation and clear environmental standards to guide sustainable practices.
Tesco’s Response: Low-Carbon Concept Farms
Tesco has announced plans for two low-carbon concept farms, developed in partnership with potato supplier Branston and livestock processor ABP. These farms will trial sustainable innovations, including:
- Low-carbon fertilisers.
- Alternative fuels.
- State-of-the-art cold storage systems.
- Carbon removal techniques.
- Soil health improvements.
- Biodiversity and grazing management strategies.
The farms aim to demonstrate practical pathways to net zero, offering Tesco’s supply network a blueprint for scalable, low-carbon farming solutions.
A Call for Government Action
Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Tesco Chief Commercial Officer Ashwin Prasad called on the government to deliver a clear plan for sustainable agriculture. Key recommendations include:
- A Long-Term Strategy: Develop a land use and food security strategy to provide certainty for farmers.
- Innovation Funding: Support all stages of innovation that advance sustainability.
- Common Standards: Establish measurable environmental benchmarks to guide and prioritise investments.
Prasad highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between government, farmers, and the food industry to enable agriculture to thrive as a driver of sustainability and economic growth.
Collaboration with Academia
Harper Adams University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Lee, praised Tesco’s initiatives, noting that education and skills development are essential for achieving net zero in farming. The university’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming is already working with industry leaders to equip farmers with the tools they need to embrace sustainability.
Building on Existing Efforts
Tesco’s low-carbon farms are the latest addition to its sustainable farming initiatives. The retailer has long supported farmers through its Sustainable Farming Groups, which facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and fair pricing structures. Recent partnerships with Lloyds Banking Group and the Soil Association further underline Tesco’s commitment to reducing on-farm emissions and protecting biodiversity.
A Shared Responsibility
As one of the largest customers of UK agriculture, Tesco recognises the critical role it plays in driving sustainability. However, achieving a resilient and sustainable agricultural system requires a coordinated effort. The government, industry, and farmers must work together to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the UK’s food security.
A clear agricultural plan is not just a necessity for farmers—it is vital for the future of food production in the UK. With initiatives like Tesco’s low-carbon farms paving the way, the industry has an opportunity to lead the world in sustainable farming practices. The question now is whether the government will rise to the occasion.