In a landmark initiative, two comprehensive reports have been released, outlining the environmental baseline for UK farms and the necessary framework for a sustainable farming future.
The joint effort has involved 685 farms across the country, making it the most extensive environmental assessment of UK farmland ever undertaken.
The reports, developed by the Soil Association Exchange in partnership with 12 industry collaborators, including Lloyds Banking Group, assessed nearly 240,000 hectares of farmland. These documents provide a clear roadmap for improving soil health, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing biodiversity—crucial steps toward achieving both sustainability and profitability in British farming.
Lloyds Banking Group, the largest financier of UK agriculture, funded over 550 farmers to participate in the pioneering environmental baseline study. This collaboration underscores the ambition and scale of the project, aiming to guide the agricultural industry through the complexities of sustainable farming practices.
Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange, emphasised the vital role farmers play in addressing the environmental challenges of today.
“Farmers are on the frontline of climate change and biodiversity loss, but they are also key to the solution. Every farm is different, so support is essential to help farmers navigate the complexities of sustainable farming," he said.
“Our goal is to empower farmers with the tools they need to make positive changes for their businesses, their communities, and the environment while still producing high-quality, nutritious food."
The reports showcase the need for large-scale environmental measurement, with Gridley highlighting the importance of a common methodology to baseline UK farms.
“Baselining UK farms with a common methodology provides a route forwards and addresses the real risk of inaction and scepticism in collating data,” he added.
“This approach also offers farmers confidence to make informed decisions; balancing environmental sustainability with profitability, ensuring farmers have the tools and guidance they need to access the funding needed to support their transition.”
Lee Reeves, UK Head of Agriculture at Lloyds Bank, spoke to the significance of the partnership between Lloyds and the Soil Association Exchange.
“Our reports showcase the opportunity to deliver actionable insights that help farmers improve practices to become more resilient, while also securing long-term profit. Sustainable farming is not just about reducing environmental impact – it’s about securing the future of the entire UK farming and food supply chain,” said Reeves.
He further emphasised the importance of consistent support for farmers: “Farmers need consistent support, reliable data, and financial incentives to make this transition successful.”
In a pioneering move, a new cross-supply chain model called ‘Exchange Market’ is being piloted as part of the 10-year partnership between Soil Association Exchange and Lloyds Banking Group. This scheme will pool funding from various supply chain businesses to reward farmers for adopting sustainable practices. Payments will be made over extended periods, with environmental outcomes monitored and verified through the Soil Association Exchange platform, providing accountability for Scope 3 reductions.
The environmental assessment covered six key areas: soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, water, carbon, and social impact. Tailored action plans are being created for each farm, helping them to access new funding streams and transition towards more sustainable practices.
These reports mark a crucial step forward in transforming the future of UK farming, offering farmers the data, support, and incentives needed to embrace sustainability while safeguarding long-term profitability.
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