Our groundbreaking, three year project, funded by the Co-op Foundation, supporting five farms on their journey to Net Zero.
We are creating a network of farms demonstrating low and/or net zero carbon practices whilst inspiring and guiding them to become LEAF Demonstration Farms. The farmers are receiving free support from LEAF and external advisors, as well as lots of opportunities for training and attendance at technical workshops, and on-farm events.
During the three-years, the farms will establish a baseline and implement a cycle of monitoring and target-setting for continuous improvement. They will assess their carbon footprint using different carbon footprinting tools appropriate to their businesses and soil health, to help inform and develop a plan to reduce their carbon footprint, which will be under continuous review.
Working closely with agricultural advisers and other specialists, the farms will develop a farm-specific action plans for nature-based solutions and regenerative farming by increasing efficiencies, and blending innovative technology with traditional methods.
“We are very excited to be part of the net zero journey. We are particularly interested in delving into the detail of our farming business model from a carbon perspective. We are keen to demonstrate that low input farming can still be productive on a larger scale and can create a more sustainable and profitable business for the future.”
“It is more important now than ever that we have resilient and sustainable supply chains. Receiving training, mentoring and specialist advice from experts as part of the Net Zero LEAF project, is invaluable for our business to achieve our challenging net zero targets. We are excited and proud to be part of such a groundbreaking and collaborative programme.”
“Springfield Farms is committed to integrated farm management and conserving our natural environment and biodiversity for the benefit of our community and our planet. We are proud to be part of the LEAF net zero project and are looking forward to working with the LEAF team and likeminded farmers, in further reducing our environmental footprint.”
Our wonderful farmers have now been paired with their external consultants, who will be supporting them across the three years. The consultants have been selected based on the farmer’s objectives and the areas they wanted to explore in more detail. Introductory online meetings have been held for the farmers to share their plans, thoughts and ambitions. We have also introduced them to the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review which will be used in conjunction with a Carbon Footprinting tool as a baseline measurement.
Keep up to date as we follow our farmers on their net zero journeys. Look out for our farmers across social media as they continue to share their story.
Huge thanks to the Co-op Foundation for supporting this project, through their Co-op Foundation Carbon Innovation Fund: