Waitrose is launching a £500,000 fund to support its British farmers in their transition to net zero emission standards.

Part of the upmarket retailer’s ‘Farming for Nature’ programme, the net zero farm scheme will invite applications to fund projects, by farmers and suppliers, that will reduce the carbon emissions associated with the products supplied to Waitrose. It will also help to boost resilience to combat the effects of climate change.

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.

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Waitrose executive director James Bailey 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 fund builds on Waitrose’s commitment to achieve net zero across its UK farms by 2035 and its entire supply chain by 2050.

John Lewis Partnership director of ethics and sustainability Marija Rompani added: “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.”