Sainsbury's extends carbon reduction scheme for farmers

The move follows the trial with Sainsbury's 325 dairy farmers, who are part of Sainsbury's Dairy Development Group. They recorded a reduction in excess of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 during their carbon footprint assessment over the last year.

The meat and poultry suppliers will be using the same carbon footprinting model, certified by the Carbon Trust, in an effort to reduce their environmental impact.

Annie Graham, Sainsbury's head of brand sustainability & agriculture said: "We have been delighted with the way our dairy suppliers have taken on the challenge of environmental responsibility in the last 12 months.  We are also pleased that following a year when conserved fodder was of medium quality, due to last year's appalling summer, a large proportion of our SDDG farms have still made significant improvements to their carbon foot print. We are delighted to announce this major environmental initiative to help our farmer suppliers." 

Sainsbury's has also struck a deal which will see the supermarket be the first to have a dedicated supply of lamb reared by young Welsh farmers for all its stores in Wales. The tie-up with the Wales Young Farmers Club, which promotes the Welsh farming industry.