Co-op launches beef sustainability payments for farmers
© Tim Scrivener The Co-op supermarket chain has announced a pilot scheme that will pay its beef farmers for sustainable farming practices.
A two-year programme in partnership with Dunbia will see about 10% of Co-op’s beef supply chain paid a sustainability dividend linked to the level of emissions reductions achieved during the timeframe.
Farm businesses will receive an individual emissions reduction plan, providing recommendations on which farming practices would work best to lower carbon emissions on each specific farm.
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The results will enable Co-op to collect emissions data and help towards its net-zero goal of 2040.
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.”