Project aims to create a unified methodology for the UK ag sector
The project has analysed 238,494 hectares of farmland across 685 UK farms, looking at six key areas: soil health, carbon, biodiversity, animal welfare, water, and people and society.
The data amassed from the project will be used to offer farmers customised sustainability plans.
Soil Association Exchange CEO Joseph Gridley 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.
"Every farm is different, so support is essential to help farmers navigate the complexities of sustainable farming.”
He said that the project’s research revealed that the need to adopt environmental measurement at scale is clear.
“Baselining UK farms with a common methodology provides a route forward and addresses the real risk of inaction and scepticism in collating data.
“Our 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.”
The 10-year partnership between Lloyds Bank and Soil Association Exchange will pool funding from a range of supply chain businesses, making payments to farmers over sustained periods to support them in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
Environmental outcomes will be monitored and verified using the Soil Association Exchange platform, allowing those supply chain partners to evidence impact and progress towards Scope 3 reductions.
Lee Reeves, UK head of agriculture at Lloyds Bank, said: "The partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and the Soil Association Exchange is the most ambitious of its kind, focusing on a holistic view of farming’s environmental impact.”
Farmers need ‘support, data, and financial incentives’
The project, he added, showcases the opportunity to deliver actionable insights that help farmers improve practices to become more resilient, while also securing long-term profit.
It aims to set out a clear, data-driven pathway towards sustainable farming and a blueprint for environmental measurement that could be adopted more widely, giving UK farmers the confidence to thrive long-term, both economically and environmentally.
"Sustainable farming is not just about reducing environmental impact – it’s about securing the future of the entire UK farming and food supply chain.
“Farmers need consistent support, reliable data, and financial incentives to make this transition successful.”
