Tesco is expanding its environmental baselining programme and urging government action to standardise farm data crucial to long-term food security.
Tesco is calling for a national framework to standardise environmental data across UK farms, warning that fragmented reporting systems are undermining the country’s long-term food security. The appeal comes as the retailer launches a major expansion of its data baselining programme, supporting 360 British beef and lamb farmers to measure soil, water and nature health at unprecedented scale.
Farmers are working hard to feed the nation sustainably, but they cannot do it alone…”
The call will be made today by Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad at an event for British farmers and suppliers at the company’s headquarters.
It follows new Tesco-commissioned research showing 91 percent of farmers want more government support to build farming resilience, while 89 percent of consumers agree government should do more to support UK agriculture.
The findings highlight significant barriers, with 96 percent of farmers citing inconsistent environmental standards as a major challenge and 73 percent reporting problems accessing innovation that would improve efficiency and sustainability. Soil health also emerged as a key concern, with 64 percent identifying it as critical to farm productivity.
Guide environmental improvements
Tesco’s expanded Sustainable Farming Programme, developed with the Soil Association Exchange (SAX), aims to establish consistent, long-term baselines to guide environmental improvements. Over the next 12 months, participating farmers will capture detailed soil, water and nature data and receive tailored advice to strengthen resilience, enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.
The initiative builds on Tesco’s August financial incentive scheme, which provided more than £800,000 to help dairy farmers establish soil and water baselines.
Prasad said: “Our new programme will give farmers the data and tools to build resilience and it’s vital farmers are provided with a clear and consistent reporting framework to reduce the burden they face and make it easier for the whole industry to measure and scale progress. This is fundamental to creating a stronger future for UK agriculture and protecting the country’s ability to reliably grow high-quality, homegrown food, now and for the future.”
“Need a joined-up supply chain”
Industry voices across the supply chain say the shift to consistent data will only work if farmers receive united backing.
Former NFU President Minette Batters said: “Farmers are working hard to feed the nation sustainably, but they cannot do it alone. Establishing and supporting a consistent national baselining framework is essential if we are to measure progress fairly, unlock new opportunities, and build resilience across the sector. The whole industry must work together to support farmers in this transition and ensure UK agriculture can thrive in the years ahead.”
Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange, added: “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to show how consistent data, expert advice and targeted funding can drive real change on UK farms. At a time of unprecedented challenges, it points to a future where farmers have the clarity and support they need to take action with confidence. Farmers are already doing incredible work to be more sustainable — but they need a joined-up supply chain behind them. Only then can we unlock the full power of data and independent advice to help farms become more resilient, sustainable and profitable.”
Tesco’s initiative aligns with recommendations outlined in its Greenprint for UK Farming report, launched earlier this year at the Oxford Farming Conference. The report urged quicker progress on standardising agricultural data to help farmers futureproof their operations while reducing environmental impact.