Sainsbury’s embraces agroforestry to cut carbon emissions

23-Aug-2024 - Last updated on 23-Aug-2024 at 13:20 GMT

Image: Sainsbury’s has launched a new agroforestry initiative to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural practices and responsible sourcing in its supply chain

With only an estimated 3.3% of the UK’s farmed area currently practicing agroforestry, the supermarket has launched a new agroforestry initiative aiming to boost agroforestry adoption and help farmers integrate trees effectively while maintaining other essential land services.

Agroforestry is the integration of trees, hedges and shrubs into farming systems. This provides benefits such as shade and shelter for animals and crops, improving biodiversity and soil structure while reducing soil erosion and capturing ammonia from the atmosphere.

Sainsbury’s has launched a new agroforestry initiative in collaboration with the Woodland Trust, the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiative is part of Sainsbury's broader commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to create new woodlands and restore existing ones, contributing to carbon sequestration and habitat creation.

The project aims to boost agroforestry adoption

The Woodland Trust will work with farmers and growers that supply Sainsbury’s to offer in-person support to create planting plans that fit their farming systems. With only an estimated 3.3% of the UK’s farmed area currently practicing agroforestry, less than half the European average, the project aims to boost agroforestry adoption and help farmers integrate trees effectively while maintaining other essential land services.

The resources that the Woodland Trust is providing will go hand in hand with Sainsbury’s collaboration with Land App and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology to give farmers the opportunity to map their land. Doing so will help to identify the best areas of land for food production and habitat creation, making sure that farmers have access to all the tools they need to make decisions that are right for their businesses and right for the environment.

Sainsbury’s suppliers involved in the initiative will get direct access to tailored advice on how best to integrate trees on their land to build resilient practices while simultaneously helping to protect soils, rivers and climate.

Since 2004, Sainsbury's has supported the Trust through its free-range Woodland eggs by contributing 1p for every dozen eggs sold. Free-range woodland eggs are produced by hens that are allowed to roam freely in wooded areas, which enhances their welfare and the quality of the eggs. These eggs are often marketed as being fresher and tastier due to the natural lifestyle of the hens.

Products that support environmental sustainability

The Woodland Trust experts provide Sainsbury’s suppliers with essential advice on tree species and design, ensuring that trees cover at least 20% of the hens’ habitat, allowing the hens to roam more freely in the shade and protection of the woods.

Other products in the retailer's Woodland range that raise funds for the Trust include free-range chicken and turkey, Best of British apples, as well as bags for life and greeting cards.

Ruth Cranston, director of corporate responsibility and sustainability at Sainsbury’s, said: “Over the past two decades we’ve worked closely to support the Woodland Trust and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve since we started work together 20 years ago; together we’ve transformed landscapes in the UK through tree planting, providing so many positive impacts as a result – from habitats for biodiversity, to improved welfare for hens laying our Woodland Eggs.”

“This latest partnership initiative aims to provide farmers with expertise to make the most of the tree planting opportunities available to them. It forms part of a wider partnership and collaboration programme with our suppliers as we seek to play a leading role in building a resilient UK food system.”

Dr Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, said: “Thanks to the development and popularity of the woodland range of Sainsbury’s products, a staggering five million native trees have been planted, creating vital habitats for wildlife to thrive and protecting more than 2,000 acres of woodland across the UK. 

“The Woodland Trust has been planting trees for over 50 years and has a vision for a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. And with plans to expand agroforestry support for Sainsbury’s farmers, our innovative and pioneering partnership goes from strength to strength, demonstrating a win-win for sustainable food production and the natural environment.”  