Supermarket is working closely with farmer suppliers to reduce their impact
Morrisons has reported a 20 per cent cut in emissions across its supply base through its Sustainable Farm Network.
Through the network, the supermarket works closely with each farm and organisations such as data specialists Map of Ag, offering bespoke support and annual reviews to track progress against individual action plans.
Morrisons collects annual emissions data from its farmers via a detailed survey, which is streamlined with help from Map of Ag. The organisation helps make the data more accessible and works with the retailer to support farmers throughout the process, it explains.
“We are really chuffed with our progress, although we’re not resting on our laurels yet,” said Lily Spencer-Brown, livestock development manager for the Myton Food Group, which is part of the Morrisons retail group. “We’ve still got an ambitious target, but it’s nice to see that we’re making progress and getting buy in from our supply chain.”
Morrisons said one of the major benefits for participating farmers is the one-to-one sessions they receive with experts from organisations such as Map of Ag and Harper Adams University.
The sessions are designed to help them interpret their emissions footprint and develop practical plans for improvement. Farmers also receive a £100 Morrisons voucher for each year they take part.
The Sustainable Farm Network also provides access to wider knowledge exchange, ensuring that farmers not only contribute data, but gain insight, tools, and tangible benefits in return.
“Our mantra on this is making sure that we are bringing the farmer along the journey with us and making sure that they understand every bit of the way and also to understand how they can get the most out of this information,” said Spencer-Brown during a webinar organised by Map of Ag.
In addition to emissions data, Morrisons also works with Downforce Technologies to capture carbon sequestration information, providing a fuller picture of each farm’s environmental performance.
However, farmer engagement and data sharing are ongoing hurdles, Spencer-Brown said, especially in the current political and economic climate. “Data sharing is something that can be a bit of a sticky wicket in terms of making sure that farmers are happy for us to get hold of that data and obviously use it for the footprint,” she said. ”I think there is also a growing awareness that their data is worth more and more money in terms of looking at these emission surveys.”
Looking ahead, Morrisons said it hopes to help farmers explore broader opportunities that stem from their sustainability efforts, including access to green finance, carbon credits, and broader market recognition.
