Co-op has unveiled plans to support its British farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices to boost sustainability and address future environmental issues.

The convenience retailer’s new ‘Future Farming Fund’ will drive innovation, promote productivity and improve climate resilience with a series of on-farm projects led by members of Co-op’s Beef and Lamb Farming Group.

The projects in the fund, which begin in August, were shaped by feedback from farmers and focus on key sustainable farming methods including soil health, biodiversity and alternative forage crops alongside projects studying genetics and data management.

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Co-op’s agriculture manager, Joseph Keating, said: “Supporting British agriculture is so important to us, our member owners and customers. We’re committed to helping our farmers on their journey to climate resilience and reducing on-farm emissions through adopting sustainable farming practices. Our new Future Farming Fund has been shaped by what our farmers have told us, and we’re thrilled so many are already engaged with the different projects on offer.”

Co-op was one of the first UK retailers to set an ambitious goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040, and the new Future Farming Fund is part of the retailer’s wider strategy to reduce its environmental impact and support its suppliers to do the same.

Resources and financial aid for the projects will be provided through the retailer and supplier partner, Dunbia.

Dunbia agriculture account manager, Claire Martin, said: “We are delighted to support Co-op’s latest funding mechanism through their Beef and Lamb Farming Group to drive innovation and accelerate emission reductions on farm. We have received such positive feedback from our suppliers to get involved. It is very rewarding to provide the necessary support to help the Group make improvements that will subsequently improve their beef and lamb production efficiency and the sustainability of their farming business. We look forward to following the Group throughout the project execution and sharing their journey along the way.”

Every farmer in Co-op’s farming group can undertake at least one project whilst learnings will be used to guide others in their move towards environmentally friendly farming methods.