Morrisons has achieved a 20% cut in emissions across its supply base through its Sustainable Farm Network – a milestone driven by tailored farmer engagement and long-term environmental commitment.
The supermarket works closely with each farm and organisations such as data specialists Map of Ag, offering bespoke support and annual reviews to track progress against individual action plans.
Morrisons collects annual emissions data from its farmers via a detailed survey, which is streamlined with help from Map of Ag. The organisation helps make the data more accessible and works with Morrisons to support farmers throughout the process.
One of the major benefits for participating farmers is the one-to-one sessions they receive with experts from organisations such as Map of Ag and Harper Adams University. These sessions help them interpret their emissions footprint and develop practical plans for improvement. Farmers also receive a £100 Morrisons voucher for each year they take part.
The Sustainable Farm Network also provides access to wider knowledge exchange, ensuring that farmers not only contribute data but gain insight, tools, and tangible benefits in return.
“Our mantra on this is making sure that we are bringing the farmer along the journey with us and making sure that they understand every bit of the way and also to understand how they can get the most out of this information,” said Morrisons Myton Food Group development manager Lily Spencer-Brown, during a webinar organised by data specialists Map of Ag.
In addition to emissions data, Morrisons also works with Downforce Technologies to capture carbon sequestration information, providing a fuller picture of each farm’s environmental performance.
However, farmer engagement and data sharing are ongoing hurdles, especially in the current political and economic climate. “Data sharing is something that can be a bit of a sticky wicket in terms of making sure that farmers are happy for us to get hold of that data and obviously use it for the footprint. I think the there is also a growing awareness that their data is worth more and more money in terms of looking at these emission surveys.”
Looking ahead, Morrisons hopes to help farmers explore broader opportunities that stem from their sustainability efforts – including access to green finance, carbon credits, and broader market recognition.
