Morrisons says it has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious quest for net zero farming, with one billion kilos of product measured for emissions over the past four years.
As the UK’s largest direct buyer from British farms, Morrisons has said it is committed to becoming the first supermarket supplied by net zero UK farms by 2030 - five years ahead of its competitors.
To support this target, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, Myton Food Group, has partnered with Map of Ag, an industry leader in emissions measurement to calculate emissions across farms supplying the supermarket with beef, lamb, pork, eggs, soft fruit, and potatoes.
Almost half of the volume in Morrisons pork supply has been assessed, along with 30% of potatoes.
This collaboration has identified specific areas for improvement on farms and developed effective strategies through KPI reports and one-on-one support sessions to help producers to achieve net zero.
Since 2020, Morrisons has actively supported its farmer suppliers in reaching net zero. Initiatives including setting up demonstration farms, collaborating with Harper Adams School of Sustainable Farming, and establishing project farming groups.
As a direct buyer, Morrisons has also offered tailored incentives to help farmers meet these targets, enhancing both farm sustainability and business viability.
Commenting on the achievement, Sophie Throup, technical and sustainability director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our farmers and partners. It’s a crucial step in our journey to make Morrisons the first supermarket supplied by net zero farms, and we’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable farming.
“Our direct relationship with British farms puts us in a unique position to make a real difference. By measuring emissions and offering practical solutions, we’re helping farmers to make tangible progress toward net zero while maintaining their productivity.”
Map of Ag senior account manager Josh Dowbiggin said: “Working with Morrisons on this ambitious net zero project has been an exciting opportunity to apply our expertise in emissions measurement. Their proactive approach and commitment to sustainability set a strong example for the industry.
“Accurate data is key to driving meaningful change in agriculture. By measuring emissions across such a broad range of products, we’re able to identify specific areas for improvement, helping to shape a more sustainable future for UK agriculture.”
Morrisons will continue to work closely with its farmers and partners and aims to set a benchmark for the industry and help drive a more sustainable food supply chain.
