Supermarket giants Tesco and Morrisons are taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the UK agriculture sector. Tesco has initiated a four-month trial with a major dairy supplier to test a methane-reducing feed supplement, while Morrisons is collaborating with an Australian environmental technology company to introduce a seaweed-based livestock feed aimed at lowering carbon beef products. These initiatives come as agriculture currently contributes 10% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the need for innovative solutions to combat climate change.
Tesco’s trial involves Grosvenor Farms, a member of the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG), adding the supplement Bovaer to the diet of 400 cows. Grosvenor Farms, owned by the Duke of Westminster, stands out as a commercial farm producing 32 million litres of milk annually with a vision to become the UK’s foremost sustainable milk and cereal grains producer. Research indicates that Bovaer can reduce methane emissions by up to 30%, potentially leading to a 12% decrease in farm greenhouse gas emissions if implemented across Grosvenor Farms’ operations.
Natalie Smith, Tesco’s head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, emphasized the supermarket group’s commitment to fostering a low-carbon agriculture sector. Mark Roach, managing director of Grosvenor Farms, expressed enthusiasm for trialing Bovaer, aiming to establish a lower-carbon milk supply chain and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Tesco’s TSDG, comprising over 400 British dairy farmers, operates on a cost of production+ model, with the supermarket paying £40 million above market price to its TSDG farmers in 2023.
Morrisons, on the other hand, is partnering with Sea Forest, an Australian company, to explore the use of seaweed-based feed, SeaFeed, to mitigate methane emissions from beef cattle. The compounds in SeaFeed inhibit methane-producing bacteria in the stomachs of livestock, potentially leading to reduced emissions in beef products. Sophie Throup, technical and sustainability director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, highlighted the supermarket’s commitment to supporting farmers in sustainable practices and aiming for net-zero agriculture emissions by 2030.
The collaboration with Sea Forest aligns with Morrisons’ ongoing research program with Queen’s University, Belfast, focusing on seaweed’s potential to reduce methane production in cattle. Professor Sharon Huws from Queen’s University emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in driving the journey towards net-zero emissions in the beef chain, underscoring the significance of innovation in addressing environmental challenges and promoting a healthier planet.
