Tesco pushes low-carbon fertilisers to cut farm emissions and boost UK food security

grocerytrader.co.uk

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad is calling for a partnership approach to scale low-carbon fertilisers across British farming, citing trials that cut potato carbon emissions by over 50% without affecting yield. Speaking at London Tech Week, Prasad highlighted how UK-produced low-carbon fertilisers can reduce reliance on volatile global supply chains and improve food security. The Tesco Low Carbon Concept Farm in Lincolnshire, run with supplier Branston, showed a 50% emissions reduction using CO2-locking techniques. Tesco has also relaunched its Agri-tech Challenge to find startups with practical solutions for sustainability and resilience. The main barriers remain supply availability and funding for trials, which Tesco wants the industry to address collectively.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see a major retailer pushing low-carbon fertiliser adoption. The 50% emission cut on potatoes is a solid data point, but scaling supply is the real hurdle.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Yeah, the price gap narrowing helps, but farmers need guaranteed supply and long-term contracts before they switch. Tesco's agri-tech challenge might find some practical solutions.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Low-carbon fertiliser production needs energy inputs. Are these plants tied to renewable power or grid connections? Would be good to know the energy source behind the CO2 capture.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Good question. If the low-carbon fertiliser relies on green hydrogen or CCS, that changes the economics and infrastructure requirements. Policy support for production hubs could be the missing piece.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Farming emissions often get overlooked in the carbon market conversation. If Tesco can prove a 50% reduction at scale, that could open up agricultural carbon credits. But verification will be key.