The UK mutually-owned supermarket, the Co-op, is partnering with Dunbia, a division of Dawn Meats, to launch a new pilot project that will financially reward British beef farmers who “reduce their impact on the environment.
The Co-op today (Wednesday, January 24) unveiled its new two-year beef sustainability pilot which will enable the retailer to monitor the “impact of integrating sustainable farming practices within is beef supply base”.
According to the retailer farmers in the pilot group – which represent about 10% of the Co-op’s beef supply chain – will have access to a bespoke emission reduction plan.
In return these farmers will “receive a sustainability dividend linked to the level of reductions achieved over the course of the programme”.
As part of the pilot farmers, according to the Co-op, will look to “integrate different farming practises to lower carbon emissions”, each individual farm will only implement the options that have been recommended specifically for them.
Dunbia will also “share knowledge and best practice,” with these beef farmers and also offer support to farmer who want to reduce their on farm emissions.
Beef farmers
Joseph Keating, Co-op’s agriculture manager, said: “Recognising and rewarding farmers who are leading the way and making positive changes to reduce their carbon footprint is important in developing a more resilient and sustainable agriculture industry, so we’re thrilled to announce our new beef sustainability pilot at Co-op alongside Dunbia.
“As a responsible retailer, we continue to lead on the issues that matter most to our member owners and customers, and supporting British farmers on their collective sustainability journey is at the very heart of this.
“We know that by investing in British agriculture, we are investing in the UK economy, supporting farming communities and meeting our members concerns for food provenance.”
The retailer believes the new pilot programme will help to provide accurate emissions data.
According to the retailer once the new pilot programme has been completed all results will be used to “help shape future sustainability plans” at Co-op .
It has said that it plans to be “net zero” by 2040.
