Mole Valley Farmers has developed an environmental roadmap aimed at helping the business to become carbon net zero by 2040.

The roadmap identifies a number of areas that will reduce the environmental impact of the British farmer-owned business, whilst supporting farmers in doing the same on farm.

Jack Cordery, chief executive of Mole Valley Farmers, said: “The environmental challenge facing the world is significant and complicated and no business or organisation can achieve transformational change alone. However, we take our role seriously in the agricultural and retail supply chains and recognise the active part we must play within them to achieve net zero.

“We’ve already started on a journey to help our farming customers meet their environmental commitments through our Climate Positive Agriculture initiative and we want to build on that.”

With that in mind, Mole Valley Farmers is working hard to:

• Become carbon net zero by 2040
• Operate a 100% clean, zero carbon transport fleet by 2030
• Mole Valley Farmers will continue to invest in electric vehicles and anticipate they will not purchase conventional fuel vehicles into their fleet from 2030. They also anticipate moving to hydrogen-powered trucks in the next 5-10 years.
• Ensure all energy requirements are met from 100% renewable energy sources by 2025 – this builds on existing work which includes powering their Dorchester feed mill with energy from an anaerobic digester, moving their retail store estate to LED lighting and installing EV chargers for customers’ use in a selection of stores.
• To eliminate wherever possible the use of non-recyclable packaging from own label products by 2030 – the company is working hard to reduce single use plastics and introduce environmentally friendly materials across the business, whilst making it easier for customers to recycle packaging. Plastic bags have already been phased out in retail stores.
• To source 100% of feed materials from 100% sustainable and environmentally friendly sources by 2025 – Mole Valley Farmers is already a member of the Round Table on Responsible Soy Association (RTRS) and Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Since October 2021, for every tonne of soya or palm bought, RTRS credits are purchased to financially support responsibly grown crops. This will encourage zero deforestation, good agricultural practices and responsible labour conditions.

Mr Cordery added: “British agriculture will play a vital and positive role in addressing climate change. Efficient production systems, an increasing sustainability focus and high animal welfare standards lead the world.

“We will build on these and be a driver for change, supporting our farmers and working with the industry to continue raising environmental standards and ultimately achieve net zero.”