Farmers are being called on to join a new paid research programme that will help improve their farm practices, while also shaping the UK’s carbon footprint strategy.
The Land Use To Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Accounting Project (LUNZ Footprint) research programme is being run by the Cool Farm Alliance (CFA) and the University of Gloucestershire. The project aims to make it simpler for farmers to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.
By taking part in the study, farmers will be able to benchmark their farm and get insights and guidance on how to make improvements and find efficiencies.
The project is being led by Eleanor Durrant from CFA, who said, “We already have a number of farmers involved in the project, but we urgently need more.
“This paid trial will bring a wealth of benefits to each farm involved but, by participating, you’ll be contributing to shaping the future of farming and the environment, whilst learning more about the tools available to understand your farm’s GHG (greenhouse gas) footprint.”
Farmers will be paid £200 + VAT per year for taking part in the LUNZ programme, and will be expected to complete two GHG footprints with support, a short online survey, a 45-minute interview, and attend two online workshops.
Some participants may also be approached for farm visits.
Durrant added “This is a great opportunity for farmers to engage with experts and fellow like-minded farmers to share best practices and find ways to improve their farm.
“Most importantly, this will help put farmers at the heart of decision-making as the UK shapes its future carbon strategy.”
In June 2019 the UK government committed to a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared with 1990 levels. This is referred to as the net zero target, and milestones towards moving towards this goal are set out in UK law.
LUNZ was established by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to help drive the transformation of UK land use that is required to achieve the net zero target.
