The British supermarket chain wants to support agricultural businesses transition to more sustainable, low-carbon practices.
Farming For Nature is Waitrose & Partners established environmental programme, the new net zero farm fund will offer financial support to deliver a range of projects on the ground.
Grants will be available to farmers and growers which supply the retailer and are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Applications will soon be invited for funding to begin projects that reduce carbon and other emissions which are directly linked to products sold in stores.
‘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,’ said Harry Thompson, Waitrose chicken farmer at Pilgrim’s Europe.
‘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,’ he continued.
The scheme will contribute to decarbonising the Waitrose supply chain. It is also hoped climate resilience and mitigation efforts will also be improved through the initiative. Small and large scale projects will be considered, from rainwater capture tanks to sustainable fertilisers, low carbon heating to soil friendly machinery. Prior to the announcement, Waitrose had already invested £1million to its Farming For Nature programme.
‘With our commitment to our UK farming supply base reaching net zero by 2035, it’s key that we work closely with our suppliers and farmers and go on this journey with them, by supporting them to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the products they supply to Waitrose,’ said Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership. ‘We’re proud to work with fantastic British suppliers and farmers and look forward to supporting them through this fund to innovate, scale and deliver the low carbon products our customers want.’
Image: Waitrose & Partners
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