Tesco CEO Ken Murphy has called on UK political parties to stand by their net zero commitments and give businesses the confidence to invest.
This comes as Tesco has unveiled the rapid expansion of one of its key agricultural initiatives, the largest commercial field trial of low-carbon fertilisers in the UK.
Speaking at the Reuters Impact event, Murphy said green innovation in the food industry could be transformational in helping to cut costs and carbon, protect food security and stimulate green growth.
He said: “As we work to protect customers and suppliers from rising costs today, we must also do all we can to safeguard the shopping basket from shocks tomorrow. That means building a more resilient, sustainable and productive food system.”
However, as he has warned that levels of investment in the UK remain well below the OECD average, Murphy is urging the government and industry to work together to enable large-scale innovation.
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“The food industry is willing to invest, but needs more stability and confidence when it comes to future policy. That is why it’s critical that all parties, regardless of political creed, stand by their net zero commitments and timelines,” he added.
Tesco is expanding its trial of low-carbon, mostly domestically produced fertilisers, partnering with its suppliers to drive a tenfold increase in the number of hectares being cultivated by low-carbon alternatives for the 2024 growing season.
This comes as low-carbon fertilisers could be a cost effective and less volatile alternative for farmers, with conventional fertiliser costs rising by as much as 140% last year.
During the first year of Tesco’s trial, 1,400 hectares of land were cultivated using eight different low-carbon fertilisers, six of which are manufactured in the UK from material including food waste, chicken litter, fire extinguisher waste and algae.
This was used to produce 70,000 tonnes of produce such as lettuces, carrots and potatoes sold in Tesco stores. According to initial results, they were as effective as conventional fertilisers and cut emissions by up to 50%.
The supermarket giant now plans to increase the trial to 13,000 hectares next year, and is looking to roll out the initiative to more of its Sustainable Farming Groups.
