Morrisons to produce ‘lower carbon’ beef using seaweed
Lower carbon beef products are expected to hit Morrisons shelves by 2026 as the UK retailer partners with environmental technology company Sea Forest to reduce emissions from its supply chain.
Myton Food Group, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, has partnered with Sea Forest to introduce the company’s SeaFeedTM to cattle at Morrisons’ directly supplied farms. The methane-abating livestock feed is intended to fast-track the introduction of lower carbon beef products such as mince, burgers, steaks and joints in Morrisons.
Sophie Throup, technical and sustainability director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer, we are well placed to support the farmers we work with and help them farm more sustainably. This partnership supports our ambition to have net zero agriculture emissions by 2030.
“Having our own livestock experts with direct relationships with farmers enables us to make changes quickly, meaning that once our trial is complete and we have approvals in place, we can develop our lower carbon beef products and help support the drive to lower emissions from cattle.”
The SeaFeedTM product will reportedly reduce methane production when applied to 0.5% of the animals’ diet, without affecting the taste of the beef in mince, burgers, steaks and joints on Morrisons shelves.
Sam Elsom, CEO of Sea Forest, said: “Distributing our methane-busting solution to one of the most respected retailers and food producers in the UK to reduce livestock methane emissions is a tremendous milestone for Sea Forest.
“SeaFeedTM has the potential to sustainably feed the planet while tackling one of the most challenging pieces of the climate puzzle. Our trials with beef, dairy and wool producers across Australia and New Zealand have demonstrated excellent results and we are delighted to partner with Morrisons to make a meaningful impact on climate change at an international scale.”
The process is awaiting approval, but if successful products will be on Morrisons shelves by 2026.
Obituary: John Stone MBE
Government must provide “a well-functioning supply chain” says industry
