Waitrose is launching a £500,000 fund to support its British farmers in their transition to net zero emissions. Part of Waitrose’s Farming For Nature programme, the net zero farm fund will finance projects, by farmers and suppliers, that will support the adoption of low carbon farming practices.

The new fund will see individual grants made available to British farmers or producers who supply Waitrose.

The programme will invite applications to fund projects that will reduce the carbon emissions associated with the products supplied to Waitrose, as well as helping boost resilience to combat the effects of climate change.

James Bailey, Executive Director, Waitrose, said: “We know every farm is unique and we want to ensure that our Waitrose Farmers have the support they need to make nature-friendly changes that work for them."

“The fund is about giving farmers access to financial backing to invest in sustainable practices that will benefit their farms in the long run and support a rapid reduction in the carbon footprint of the food we eat.”

The funding is available for small-scale projects as well as large scale investments. For example, it could go towards rainwater capture tanks and sustainable fertilisers, or for successful applicants to invest in low carbon heating systems and soil friendly machinery.

Building on the £1 million investment for Farming for Nature, the new fund is a key step in the programme, which is committed to provide access to affordable finance and provide resources to support their transition to regenerative and low carbon farming.

Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership adds: “With our commitment to our UK farming supply base reaching net zero by 2035, it’s key that we work closely with our suppliers and farmers and go on this journey with them, by supporting them to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the products they supply to Waitrose."

“We’re proud to work with fantastic British suppliers and farmers and look forward to supporting them through this fund to innovate, scale and deliver the low carbon products our customers want.”

Harry Thompson, Waitrose chicken farmer for Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “This is a fantastic announcement from Waitrose. It really highlights the partnership relationship that we have with them; whenever they are backing British farming and supporting my farm, they become more efficient and lower our carbon footprint to support us on our net zero journey. This is important at a time when farmers are having a lot thrown at them; all support is greatly appreciated, and it really strengthens the farm to fork connection."

"Ultimately, moves like this are important, that we are collectively going forward with a strong vision as a strong partnership."

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said: “Climate change is a significant threat to agriculture and our broader food system, and reducing emissions from the sector is vital to meeting our net zero commitments. I’m extremely pleased to see new funds, such as Waitrose’s net zero farm fund, support the adoption of low carbon farming practices.”

“Funds such as these complement the government’s focus on ensuring farming becomes more profitable and businesses are viable for the future – delivering the long-term food security this country needs while protecting nature’s capacity to provide the stable climate, clean water and healthy soils that make farming possible”.

This latest announcement builds on Waitrose’s commitment to achieve net zero across its UK farms by 2035 and its entire supply chain by 2050.