Tesco Urges UK Government to Strengthen Support for Sustainable Farming

Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, is calling on the government to establish a clear policy framework to support British farmers in transitioning to net-zero agriculture. This demand comes as the supermarket giant launches two low-carbon concept farms, developed in partnership with potato supplier Branston and livestock processor ABP, to explore sustainable farming innovations.

Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference today (10 January), Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ashwin Prasad, will present findings from a report analysing over 300 UK farms in collaboration with Harper Adams University. The report underscores the urgent need for a government-backed roadmap to drive sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring economic growth and environmental resilience.

Tesco is advocating for:

• Long-term land use strategies and a national food security plan to safeguard farming sustainability.

• Increased funding for agricultural innovation, particularly in climate-smart practices.

• Standardised environmental measurement criteria, providing clarity on carbon reduction and sustainability benchmarks.

Tesco’s two concept farms will serve as testbeds for innovative green technologies, incorporating:

• Low-carbon fertilisers to reduce emissions from crop production.

• Alternative fuels to power farm operations more sustainably.

• Advanced cold storage systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

• Carbon capture techniques to help offset agricultural emissions.

The initiative follows Tesco’s ongoing efforts to decarbonise its supply chain. Last November, the retailer joined forces with dairy supplier Arla, Morrisons, and Aldi to trial methane-reducing cattle feed, showcasing its commitment to innovation in emissions reduction.

Prasad said: “As the biggest customer of UK agriculture, we know providing our customers with healthy, affordable and sustainable food wouldn’t be possible without the expertise and dedication of our farmers across the country.

“But to continue to thrive in the future, the industry needs more certainty and support. Many of the solutions we need exist today, but the government and the food industry need to make sure we have the right incentives in place so that UK agriculture can reach its potential as a driver of both sustainability and economic growth.”

With supply chain sustainability under increasing scrutiny, Tesco urges policymakers to prioritise agricultural decarbonisation—ensuring that UK farming remains competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible in the decades ahead.