Supermarket Sainsbury’s has announced the launch of a new agroforestry initiative working alongside its long-standing charity partner The Woodland Trust. The new scheme will offer in-person guidance to farmers & growers on how to integrate agroforestry into their operations.
Essentially, agroforestry incorporates trees, hedges and shrubs into farming systems, the benefits of which include additional shade and shelter for animals and crops, improved biodiversity and soil structure, all the while supporting a reduction in soil erosion alongside the capture of ammonia from the atmosphere[i]. Presently, it is estimated that just 3.3% of the UK’s farmed land currently practices agroforestry, less than half the European average, and it is hoped that the new scheme will boost agroforestry adoption to integrate trees effectively, all whilst maintaining essential farming production[ii].
The new scheme will begin in the North West and South West of England. Here Sainsbury's suppliers will get direct access to tailored advice on how to best integrate trees on to their land, further separate collaborations between the retailer with digital mapping tool Land App and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology will provide farmers with the opportunity to map their land to identify the best areas for food production and habitat creation.
The agroforestry scheme is a celebration of the 20-year partnership between Sainsbury’s and The Woodland Trust, where the retailer has raised over £14 million for the charity since 2004. Sainsbury's has supported the Trust through its free-range Woodland eggs by contributing 1p for every dozen eggs sold, as well as from sales of other products in the retailer's Woodland range such as free-range chicken and turkey, Best of British apples, bags for life and greeting cards. This has helped to fund tree packs for schools and communities to plant in their local areas with more than 15 million saplings having been planted as a result, creating shade and green spaces for local communities. Further, in July 2023, Sainsbury’s hit a milestone of five million trees having been planted through the partnership, helping to protect over 2000 acres of woodland across the UK. The retailer has committed to planting an additional 1.5 million trees by 2025 – supporting the Trust to engage with thousands of communities and helping them to reconnect with nature.
Ruth Cranston, Director of Corporate Responsibility & 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”[iii].
She added:
“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:
"Our 20-year partnership with Sainsbury’s is a remarkable collaboration and an exemplar of how one business is championing sustainability. The impact of two decades growing together is testament to its strong mutual benefits. 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.”[iv].
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
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