Supplier No.3
The supplier discussed in this section is one of the leading meat processors in the UK and Ireland, and they have been at the forefront of adopting regenerative farming practices. This report explores the initiatives and practices implemented by the business to promote sustainable agriculture, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health. Regenerative farming for them focuses on restoring and maintaining the natural ecological balance of the rural communities surrounding their operations which in turn supports long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health.
Firstly, this supplier has already done a vast amount of work to improve their overall sustainability. They have undertaken comprehensive and forward-thinking measures to ensure its operations are environmentally friendly. These actions reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, corporate responsibility, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key initiatives include the full monitorisation of their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and they have set short-term emission reduction targets to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. Since 2022, all of their sites have been powered entirely by renewable energy sources, also at their primary site they have implemented a heat reclaim system and an anaerobic digestion system. And to verify all of their actions they are ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certified, whilst also being members of Origin Green and the Soil Association. Their alignment with the UN SDGs, adherence to international standards, and innovative practices ensure that the business not only meets current environmental challenges but also contributes positively to global sustainability efforts.
One of their primary commitments is to the reduction of scope 3 emissions from agriculture by embracing innovations into their operations. They have initiated several projects across their supply chain to demonstrate the effectiveness of regenerative practices whilst managing their environmental impact and reducing emissions at a farm level. The results of these projects are then distributed across their entire supply chain through their farm engagement project to ensure that the information is accessible and usable for all involved.
One case of this work was to incorporate regenerative practices to manage soil health and grazing. This includes the use of multi-species swards, which enhance biodiversity and improve soil structure and fertility. By diversifying the plant species in pastures, the soil receives a broader range of nutrients, leading to healthier, more resilient ecosystems. There are various other practices that have been trialled such as:
· Low emissions slurry spreading techniques, to minimize environmental damage as much as possible.
· A composting method called Bokashi, which involves fermenting organic waste using a mix of beneficial microorganisms and this reduces methane emissions and enhances nutrient value to reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers.
· Utilising dung beetles to promote soil aeration, remove surface dung and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
· Utilising dock beetles to reduce the need for chemical weed control.
· Utilising humic products to trigger root growth enzymes which then allow trapped water to move down the soil profile and act as plant growth promoters.
· The implementation of their minimum tillage reseeding policy, to improve soil fertility, reduce carbon release and prevent erosion.
These are all forms of on-farm research and trials, utilising the latest technologies and innovations to demonstrate regenerative practices to other producers amongst their supply chain, showcasing the practical benefits and real world application of these methods.
Our supplier clearly emphasises the importance of knowledge sharing and education. They have conducted multiple supply chain and stakeholder awareness and educational programmes covering a range of issues. For example they conduct regular farm visits and workshops where farmers can observe regenerative practices in action. The observations and results from these programmes are then shared through documented best practice guides, helping farmers integrate sustainable practices into their own operations.
The business’ commitment to regenerative farming practices demonstrates a significant step towards sustainable agriculture. By focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable resource use, they not only improve the environmental footprint of their operations but also sets a benchmark for the meat production industry. Continuing these efforts in education and research will be essential to scale these practices and achieve broader sustainability related goals.
