Tesco is urging the government to deliver a clear plan to support the future of UK agriculture, as it launches new low-carbon concept farms.

The UK’s largest retailer is calling on the government to provide a clear plan to support UK farmers’ transition to net zero, having formed a partnership with Harper Adams University and conducted a report using over 300 UK farms.

Speaking today (10 January) at an Oxford Farming Conference, Tesco chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad is set to use this report to recommend the government set a clear policy on sustainable agriculture, including greater investment and policy certainty, to enable the industry to drive sustainable economic growth.

Among other measures, the supermarket giant has requested UK farmers to be supported through initiatives such as long-term land use and a food security strategy, improved funding for innovation aiding sustainability, and the creation of environmental measuring standards.

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The call to action comes as Tesco plans to launch two low-carbon concept farms in its UK supply chain, partnered with potato supplier Branston and livestock processor ABP.

The farms are to trial new technologies and feature innovations such as low carbon fertilisers, alternative fuels, state-of-the-art cold storage, and carbon removal techniques.

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 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.”

The new farms build on Tesco’s previous work in developing sustainable farming and reducing its carbon footprint. Last November, the supermarket partnered with dairy supplier Arla and fellow grocers Morrisons and Aldi in a trial of methane-reducing feed for cattle.