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Morrisons pledges to have first net zero British farms by 2030

9 March, 2021 | by The Retail Bulletin

Morrisons has pledged to be the first supermarket to be completely supplied by net zero carbon British farms.

The retailer has committed to do this by 2030, five years ahead of the market.

Over the next nine years, Morrisons will work with its 3,000 farmers and growers to produce affordable net zero carbon meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables. It expects eggs to reach net zero carbon status as early as 2022 and lamb, fruit, vegetables, pork and beef in the years to follow.

This month, Morrisons will start working with a selection of meat and produce farmers to create net zero carbon farm models which will then be shared with all Morrisons farmers.

The models will look at various ways to reduce carbon including rearing different animal breeds, using low food-mile feedstuffs, renewable energy and low emission housing, and reducing fuel and fertiliser use. They will also look to offset carbon emissions by planting grassland, clover and trees, restoring peatland, improving soil health and  seeding hedgerows.

When it comes to meat, Morrisons will work with its beef farms to use smaller cattle breeds, pick low methane feeds, and look at methane reducing supplements.

David Potts, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our generation and growing food is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, we’re in a unique position to guide our farms and help lead changes in environmental practices. It’s years ahead of industry expectations – and an ambitious target – but it’s our duty to do it.”