Waitrose Injects £1m To Accelerate British Regenerative Farming Plan

The premium retailer has launched partnerships with Soil Association Exchange and Regenified to give UK farmers and fresh produce growers the tools, data, and verification to produce food in ways that restore and protect the environment. 

Waitrose aims to have all its UK farms using regenerative practices by 2030, and the retailer has committed to reaching net zero across its UK farms by 2035.

The new collaborations with Soil Association Exchange, a farm-measurement tool, and Regenified, a global leader in regenerative agriculture verification, will provide vital expertise to support growers with robust measurement tools, expert advice, and certification, Waitrose said in a press release.

The £1 million boost for its nature-friendly farming commitments marks a significant step forward in Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme. 

The scheme aims to support 2,000 British farmers to move to nature-friendly farming practices, helping boost business resilience of farms in the long-term, secure food supplies, and combat the effects of climate change.

“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,” remarked Andrew Hoad, Director of Leckford and Farming for Nature at Waitrose.

Tracking Metrics For Clear Evidence 

The new partnership with Soil Association Exchange – a farm-measurement tool backed by the Soil Association – involves a four-year programme to support the early adopting farms representing key Waitrose supply chains. 

By tracking metrics on soil health, biodiversity, water, carbon, animal welfare, and social impact, Waitrose said it will provide robust measurement and build evidence of the impact of changing farming practices. 

“Through this partnership, Waitrose is helping farmers turn robust data into practical changes on the ground, backed by the advice and support they need,” explained Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange. “It’s a powerful step towards a food system that is both climate-resilient and profitable for farmers.” 

Soil Association Exchange will work closely with existing partners such as Land App, LEAF, and the University of Reading, combining forces to help farmers succeed amid changing climate realities. 

Measuring Progress For A Regenerative Future

In a landmark move with Regenified – a global leader in regenerative agriculture verification – Waitrose will offer 100 farms free access to the framework to achieve a Regenified™ certification. 

Waitrose said this will help farmers across livestock, dairy, fresh produce, and horticulture, to measure and track improvements over time in key areas such as soil health, water management, and biodiversity. 

Salar Shemirani, Co-Founder and CEO of Regenified, described Waitrose as “forward thinking” in its plan.

“Their commitment to giving farmers the tools, data, and independent verification they need to build resilient, nature-friendly businesses is a testament to the foresight of Waitrose and its suppliers, demonstrating their commitment to change the food system for the better,” commented Shemirani.

Participating in the Regenified™ certification is voluntary, and Waitrose is providing the opportunity for 100 Waitrose farmers or growers to undertake the programme for three years. 

Waitrose said it is the first UK supermarket to independently certify regenerative farming at scale. 

Its Leckford Estate farm has been using regenerative practices since 2020, while last year its orchard and vineyards became the first in the UK to achieve Regenified ™ certification.

The Leckford Estate will work with both of the new partners.