Tesco has warned that the UK needs to fix its fragmented farm data system and launch a major new program to help farmers measure soil, water and nature at scale.
The retailer is calling for a national framework to replace the “patchwork” of inconsistent environmental standards, arguing that clear and uniform reporting is essential for long-term food security and farm resilience.
Its latest initiative, the Sustainable Agriculture Program, represents a significant expansion of its environmental standard-setting work and will help 360 beef and lamb farmers collect land-wide data at this scale for the first time.
Delivered in partnership with Soil Association Exchange, the project will establish baseline measurements over the next 12 months and provide tailored advice to farmers to improve efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
The move follows new research commissioned by Tesco showing that 91% of farmers want the government to do more to support resilience in the sector, with 96% saying inconsistent environmental reporting remains a key barrier to progress. 64% of farmers cited soil health as a particular concern.
Tesco UK chief executive Ashwin Prasad said farmers were under “unprecedented pressure” from rising costs, climate shocks and policy uncertainty, adding that the lack of a national reference framework was holding back progress across the industry.
“Our new program provides farmers with data and tools to build resilience,” he said. “It is vital that farmers are provided with a clear and consistent reporting framework…this is the foundation for building a stronger future for British agriculture.”
The initiative follows a previous investment of more than £800,000 to help dairy farmers benchmark soil and water health, taking Tesco’s overall support for environmental standard-setting to more than £1.5m.
Former NFU chair Minette Batters welcomed Tesco’s call, saying standardized data was essential for farmers to “fairly assess progress, develop new opportunities and build resilience across the sector”.
Soil Association Exchange CEO Joseph Gridley said the partnership shows how “consistent data, expert advice and targeted funding” can drive real change.
He added that farmers were already doing an “incredible job” but needed a connected supply chain to support long-term sustainability and profitability.
Tesco said the program is in line with the recommendations set out in the UK Agriculture Greenprint report, which calls for standardized data and better insights to help farmers future-proof their businesses while reducing environmental impact.
