Waitrose has invested £1m and launched new partnerships with the Soil Association Exchange and Regenified, in a bid to accelerate its support for regenerative farming practices.

The move marks a major step in Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme, which aims to support 2,000 British farms in transitioning to regenerative methods by 2030 and reach net zero across its UK farms by 2035.

“We are delighted to bring both Soil Association Exchange and Regenified into our Farming for Nature programme,” said Waitrose farming for nature and Leckford director Andrew Hoad.

“Their expertise will be vital in developing our approach, providing monitoring, measuring impact and demonstrating progress.

Meanwhile, the grocer has said it is the first UK supermarket to certify regenerative farming at scale, with its own Leckford Estate farm already using regenerative methods since 2020 and becoming the first UK orchard and vineyard to achieve Regenified certification.

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Hoad added: “Our commitment to regenerative farming reflects our belief that producing high-quality food and caring for the environment go hand in hand. We are leading the way in backing British farmers, protecting nature, meeting climate goals, and building a sustainable and resilient food system from the ground up.”

The supermarket chain’s partnership with Soil Association Exchange will see a four-year programme rolled out across key Waitrose supply chains, using data on soil health, biodiversity, water, carbon, animal welfare and social impact to measure and evidence environmental progress.

“Farmers want to do the right thing for nature and their businesses, but they need clear evidence, trusted advice, and fair reward,” said Soil Association Exchange Joseph Gridley. “Through this partnership, Waitrose is helping farmers turn robust data into practical changes on the ground, backed by the advice and support they need.”

In a parallel initiative, Waitrose is partnering with Regenified, a global leader in regenerative agriculture verification, to offer 100 farms free access to its certification framework over three years.

“We are honoured to join Waitrose and the Soil Association Exchange in this forward-thinking programme,” said Salar Shemirani, co-founder and CEO of Regenified. “Their commitment to giving farmers the tools, data and independent verification they need to build resilient, nature-friendly businesses is a testament to their foresight.”