Monday 8 March 2021

Morrisons pledges to have ‘first net zero British farms’ by 2030

 

Morrisons has committed to becoming the first supermarket to be completely supplied by net zero British farms by 2030.

It has announced it will work with its 3,000 farmers and suppliers to produce affordable net zero carbon meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables across the next nine years. It has estimated that eggs will become the first net zero product, by as early as 2022.

UK agriculture accounts for 10% of the UK’s overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which has led to the National Farmers Union setting a 2040 net zero goal for the sector.

Throughout the coming month, Morrisons will work with a selection of farmers to create net zero farm ‘models’ and will share this blueprint with all of its suppliers once it has been completed.

It aims to reduce carbon by rearing different animal breeds, using more local foods to cut down on transport emissions, adopting more renewable energy, using low emission housing and consuming less fuel and fertiliser. The supermarket will also consider the use of offsets.

Chief Executive of Morrisons, David Potts, commented: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our generation and growing food is a key contributor to GHG emissions.

"As British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, we’re in a unique position to guide our farms and help lead changes in environmental practices. It’s years ahead of industry expectations and an ambitious target but it’s our duty to do it.”