Supplier No.4
A leading European meat processer renowned for their commitment to sustainability is the next supplier to be discussed. Their strategy towards sustainability is aligned
with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals and encompasses the entire supply chain from farms, to processing sites and to the end consumer.
They have a comprehensive environmental management system that has allows them to establish goals for improvement, create commitment, define plans and measure
progress. This system has led to a greater understanding and implementation of regenerative farming practices which aim to enhance environmental stewardship,
improve soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of their operations and supply chain.
Our supplier has implemented a variety of initiatives to enhance their sustainable efforts, which span across carbon emission reduction, renewable energy investment, waste
management, and supporting sustainable farming practices. They currently monitor their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and they also have short term
emission reduction targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Targets have been set to address several issues
within their operations such as the reduction of food waste, electrical consumption, water consumption, and plastic packaging. Thanks to their
investments in renewable energy, 100% of the energy they use is generated from renewable sources. Similarly to ourselves, they have implemented a heat reclaim
system into one of their sites and a zero waste to landfill policy is upheld throughout the business. Through these comprehensive measures, this supplier is
making significant strides in improving their environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout their operations.
Regenerative farming to this supplier means a holistic approach that encapsulates the entire farming system from the health of the soil to the health of the farmers. An
approach that coexists harmoniously with the environment in order to preserve and enhance natural resources. Their method focuses on crop diversity,
biodiversity and nature based solutions, farmer education, water quality, soil health and carbon sequestration, and livestock genetics and animal welfare.
Firstly, biodiversity is of paramount importance when it comes to regenerative farming and this is something that our supplier has protected and nurtured in and
around their operations. One example of this focus is the implementation of wildlife corridors that cover over 30 hectares of land across their sites.
These corridors are created to connect habitats across landscapes and support natural processes that take place in healthy ecosystems. Our supplier has
cultivated these areas to encourage natural wildflowers and seed setting, they have also introduced various pollinators, bee hotels, and butterfly towers to
help develop the biodiversity of their locations. There has been a vast amount of work conducted across Ireland as well as they have dedicated 20% of their
physical footprint to biodiversity areas and they have planted more than 30,000 trees, 500 aquatic plants and an immeasurable amount of wildflowers.
Not only is supporting biodiversity important but educating those in and around your operations and supply chain to support the natural characteristics of a farm is
just as crucial. And our supplier is doing just that, in collaboration with selected educators they have welcomed over 300 farmers to learn and develop
their farms in a sustainable manner. These farmers are given access to various resources that firstly aim to establish their carbon footprint and begin to
mitigate that on an operational basis and then they are encouraged and given the tools to integrate that holistic farming approach. They task and support
these farmers to focus on soil health, water usage, resource efficiency and biodiversity. By providing information, assessments, tailored advice, and
access to resources, our supplier has enabled these farmers to integrate regenerative farming practices into their day-to-day. One instance is the
application of herbal lays and rotational grazing systems by farmers, which combined improve soil fertility, biology and structure, boost livestock health
and encourage biodiversity.
Demonstration farms also play a vital role in the re-education of these farmers. These farms have been in place to conduct multi-year studies which aim to use data-driven
approaches to enhance the genetics of a farmers livestock and educate the farmers on the potential to improve fiscal returns and lower an animals carbon
footprint. The studies are supported and validated by independent bodies and since their implementation over 4,000 animals have been involved. The genetic
enhancement research focused on selective breeding in a pasture-based system, to allow the animal to reach a targeted weight at an earlier age and more
efficiently convert feed to protein. And this research found that these changes can reduce methane emissions up to 40%, whilst the pasture-based system
improves soil health, promotes grazing systems and general biodiversity, and enhances the welfare of their animals. As well as a positive impact on the
environment, the change in process can also improve returns on each animal by up to £150. Overall, the research that has been done by our supplier displays how
regenerative farming can benefit a farm in various aspects and distributing this information will only make supply chains stronger and more sustainable.
In conclusion, this suppliers commitment to regenerative farming practices underscores their dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation.
By integrating farmer education, biodiversity enhancement, efficient use of by-products, water conservation, genetics optimisation, and renewable energy
investment, they are setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the food industry. These initiatives not only support environmental health but also
ensure the long-term viability and resilience of their farming operations.
