Latest news with #foodproduction
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tesco to start selling potatoes grown in low-carbon technology trials
Tesco plans to start selling potatoes and other crops grown on a farm hosting trials for emerging innovations that have potential to decarbonise food production. The supermarket recently unveiled its arable 'low-carbon concept farm' in Lincolnshire, a multi-year commitment launched in January to test methods of reducing planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions caused by farming. Farmers recently started testing some of the new products and techniques on various crops in the fields of Langrick Farm, near Boston. Tesco is working in partnership with potato supplier Branston and collaborating with pea, wheat and broccoli suppliers on a seven-year crop rotation to minimise disease and boost soil health. Branston has been using some of the lower-carbon techniques across 20 acres on the farm. The company said it expects to harvest about 520 tonnes of potatoes from that section, which could supply about 260,000 two-kilogram packs of potatoes to Tesco shelves later this year. Plans also involve trialling innovations over the next few years that range from robotic tilling, low-nitrogen crop varieties and alternative fuels to biomass heating, pollinator cover crops and anaerobic digesters. R-Leaf, a product that converts nitrogen pollutants from the atmosphere into plant feed, Ccm Technologies' low-carbon fertiliser and Omnia, a system designed to map farms and gather data, are among the technologies already out in the fields. Langrick is one of two so-called 'low-carbon concept farms' that Tesco announced in January, the second of which is a collaboration with livestock producer ABP, where the trials are currently less established. It is understood Tesco is supporting the farms financially in the initiative, through its contracts with the suppliers. By exploring which innovations are economically viable and have real-world measured impacts, the supermarket hopes to de-risk green investments for its supply base. The trials will take several years although they come at a time when 2030 climate targets are fast approaching and increasingly extreme climate patterns are already affecting British farms. Asked why Tesco is spearheading the trials, Ashwin Prasad, the supermarket's UK and Ireland chief executive, said the supermarket has a 'vested interest' in a resilient food economy. 'Being the leading retailer in the UK, I do think we have a responsibility to lead for the things that create a path for food security, better environmental outcomes, better outcomes for farming families and communities,' he told the PA news agency. Some Tesco farmers have told the supermarket that scale-up innovation is inaccessible and expensive, and the risk of investing in unproven technologies too high, according to Mr Prasad. One aim of the trials is to help de-risk low carbon investments for suppliers by establishing which technologies work but are also financially viable for the farmers. The supermarket has not yet outlined a formal strategy on how it will incentivise suppliers to invest in and adopt proven technologies beyond the trials. But Mr Prasad said the supermarket will likely share the findings with its sustainable farming groups – a platform for Tesco farmers and suppliers to collaborate on best practices for sustainability and animal welfare – before exploring opportunities for scale. 'It's early days still,' Mr Prasad said. 'I think the first thing we've got to do is just make sure we don't run before we've really learnt how to walk in this space, given these are new and emerging technologies, and give ourselves enough time to feel confident about them.' On whether the cost of investing in these technologies will ultimately be pushed on to farmers or shoppers, he said: 'Consumers are really facing tough times in the UK. 'Our role is to also champion them for value and then work through those relationships … with our suppliers to say 'How can we accelerate the technologies that do the things consumers are looking for without exorbitant cost increases?'' A key tool for encouraging farmers to take on these technologies will likely be long-term contracts, he said, adding that this can provide them with certainty to make investment decisions. Another aim of the low-carbon concept farms is to get different suppliers working together to find solutions on a pre-competitive basis, Mr Prasad said. 'All of these things feel like they have broader application, so the collaboration pre-competitively versus a more restricted mindset … could be another big unlock.' Asked if Tesco will share its findings with other supermarkets, he said: 'Yes, absolutely'. 'The route to net zero isn't something you are able to achieve on your own. 'It requires everyone to work together and understand what things could be scaled so that we're all making progress against that target that we have to do as a nation.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Tesco to start selling potatoes grown in low-carbon technology trials
Tesco plans to start selling potatoes and other crops grown on a farm hosting trials for emerging innovations that have potential to decarbonise food production. The supermarket recently unveiled its arable 'low-carbon concept farm' in Lincolnshire, a multi-year commitment launched in January to test methods of reducing planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions caused by farming. Farmers recently started testing some of the new products and techniques on various crops in the fields of Langrick Farm, near Boston. Tesco is working in partnership with potato supplier Branston and collaborating with pea, wheat and broccoli suppliers on a seven-year crop rotation to minimise disease and boost soil health. Branston has been using some of the lower-carbon techniques across 20 acres on the farm. The company said it expects to harvest about 520 tonnes of potatoes from that section, which could supply about 260,000 two-kilogram packs of potatoes to Tesco shelves later this year. Plans also involve trialling innovations over the next few years that range from robotic tilling, low-nitrogen crop varieties and alternative fuels to biomass heating, pollinator cover crops and anaerobic digesters. R-Leaf, a product that converts nitrogen pollutants from the atmosphere into plant feed, Ccm Technologies' low-carbon fertiliser and Omnia, a system designed to map farms and gather data, are among the technologies already out in the fields. Langrick is one of two so-called 'low-carbon concept farms' that Tesco announced in January, the second of which is a collaboration with livestock producer ABP, where the trials are currently less established. It is understood Tesco is supporting the farms financially in the initiative, through its contracts with the suppliers. By exploring which innovations are economically viable and have real-world measured impacts, the supermarket hopes to de-risk green investments for its supply base. The trials will take several years although they come at a time when 2030 climate targets are fast approaching and increasingly extreme climate patterns are already affecting British farms. Asked why Tesco is spearheading the trials, Ashwin Prasad, the supermarket's UK and Ireland chief executive, said the supermarket has a 'vested interest' in a resilient food economy. 'Being the leading retailer in the UK, I do think we have a responsibility to lead for the things that create a path for food security, better environmental outcomes, better outcomes for farming families and communities,' he told the PA news agency. Some Tesco farmers have told the supermarket that scale-up innovation is inaccessible and expensive, and the risk of investing in unproven technologies too high, according to Mr Prasad. One aim of the trials is to help de-risk low carbon investments for suppliers by establishing which technologies work but are also financially viable for the farmers. The supermarket has not yet outlined a formal strategy on how it will incentivise suppliers to invest in and adopt proven technologies beyond the trials. But Mr Prasad said the supermarket will likely share the findings with its sustainable farming groups – a platform for Tesco farmers and suppliers to collaborate on best practices for sustainability and animal welfare – before exploring opportunities for scale. 'It's early days still,' Mr Prasad said. 'I think the first thing we've got to do is just make sure we don't run before we've really learnt how to walk in this space, given these are new and emerging technologies, and give ourselves enough time to feel confident about them.' On whether the cost of investing in these technologies will ultimately be pushed on to farmers or shoppers, he said: ' Consumers are really facing tough times in the UK. 'Our role is to also champion them for value and then work through those relationships … with our suppliers to say 'How can we accelerate the technologies that do the things consumers are looking for without exorbitant cost increases?'' A key tool for encouraging farmers to take on these technologies will likely be long-term contracts, he said, adding that this can provide them with certainty to make investment decisions. Another aim of the low-carbon concept farms is to get different suppliers working together to find solutions on a pre-competitive basis, Mr Prasad said. 'All of these things feel like they have broader application, so the collaboration pre-competitively versus a more restricted mindset … could be another big unlock.' Asked if Tesco will share its findings with other supermarkets, he said: 'Yes, absolutely'. 'The route to net zero isn't something you are able to achieve on your own. 'It requires everyone to work together and understand what things could be scaled so that we're all making progress against that target that we have to do as a nation.'
The Guardian
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
How to reduce your food footprint: if it's better for you, it's better for the planet
Food production globally accounts for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, with the average Australian diet contributing more than 3kg of Co2 per person per day. And what's worse, we waste about 35% of the food we bring home. If we keep this up, it has been estimated the already unsustainable environmental cost of the food system will nearly double by 2050. Calculating the precise impact your individual food choices have on the environment isn't simple, but research suggests the actions we can take to bring that impact down are – and they aren't just better for the environment, they're better for our health too. A 2021 CSIRO study found that sticking to its healthy eating guidelines while choosing lower-carbon options could reduce the climate impact of our diets by as much as 42%. Another released last year, which conducted life-cycle assessments on more than 60 thousand products available on Australian shelves, found that switching to lower-emission options within similar categories could bring our food footprints down by an impressive 71%. Prof Simone Pettigrew, program director of food policy at the George Institute for Global Health and an author of the latter study, says: 'There's four biggies that sit at the top of the list for being the least sustainable: traditional red meats, dairy products, and then to a lesser extent – but perhaps more upsettingly – coffee and chocolate.' Consumers, she says, can make a 'massive, massive difference' to the sustainability of their entire food basket simply by limiting or switching out those items. In practical terms this might look like choosing poultry, seafood or kangaroo instead of lamb or pork, switching dairy milk for plant-based options, drinking just one less coffee a day or choosing sweet treats with low or no cocoa content. Even if we can do that some of the time, the difference can be significant, according to Pettigrew. When it comes to carbohydrates and fresh produce, Pettigrew says a solid rule of thumb is the better it is for you, the better it probably is for the planet. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables to snack on rather than processed biscuits or bars, for example, will dramatically reduce your diet's carbon footprint. And while there are production and processing differences between more nutritionally similar items such as pasta and rice, Pettigrew says overall they are largely comparable in terms of sustainability. 'Anything that is plant based is going to be much less environmentally costly than anything animal based. 'We understand it's hard for consumers to make really big changes in one hit, but it is relatively easy to make small incremental ones.' If you already eat a healthy, plant-rich diet, limit your ultra-processed food intake and are keeping your coffee and chocolate habits in check, you've made a great start. Beyond that, Dr Lilly Lim-Camacho, principal research scientist with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, says one of the most helpful things consumers can do to maximise these gains is to 'shop with intent'. Food waste accounts for more than a third of all household waste, so only purchasing what you need combined with small efforts such as 'learning how to use up leftover veggies in the crisper' and resisting impulse buying will not only make your diet significantly more sustainable, but healthier and more economical too. She urges people to also keep in mind that wasting unhealthy food is doubly bad. 'Not only do discretionary foods create more emissions, our bodies don't actually need them.' Those emissions are essentially being wasted regardless of whether you consume the food or not, she suggests. If you'd like to take things a step further, apps such as ecoSwitch, developed by the George Institute, get into the nitty gritty of comparing the carbon ratings associated with more specific items. This can help if you want to know, for example, which brand of tinned tomatoes or tofu is best. The George Institute study found that opting for near identical but lower-impact options alone could bring your food footprint down by 26%. Neither Pettigrew nor Lim-Camacho want to take the fun out of food or expect consumers to forgo the odd burger or chocolate ice-cream, but agree that by prioritising our health we will naturally make better choices for the planet, and vice versa. 'It's a win-win,' says Pettigrew. 'There is always going to be an environmental cost to our food. But it's important for people to know that you actually can make an enormous difference if you want to.'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Jeff Bezos Investment Just Became a Bargain, but Is It Worth It?
Farming is a critical industry all around the world. After all, no farms mean no food. As the world's population inevitably grows, there's a need to get inventive about how to grow and produce food, and some investors are looking to revolutionize the vertical farming industry. Read Next: For You: One company, Plenty Unlimited Inc., is leading the charge in not only this area but also in innovative plant sciences. Its mission is to revolutionize farming by focusing on growing produce vertically in controlled, indoor farming environments. It aims to use less land and water to grow food while also mitigating the impacts of climate-related extreme weather events on crops. The ideal end result is fresh, pesticide-free food that's healthier for consumers and the planet. Plenty has garnered a lot of support and raised significant funding from many financial backers, but perhaps none more notorious than Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Plenty has already been around for more than a decade, but it has had difficult times recently. Here are some key takeaways: Plenty Unlimited is a private company, so its stock is not publicly traded and does not have a ticker symbol. It is not possible to buy or sell shares of Plenty stock on major stock exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq. However, accredited investors can potentially buy pre-IPO shares through platforms like EquityZen. Plenty Unlimited has raised approximately $941 million in funding from investors like Innovation Endeavors, DCVC, Western Technology Investment and SoftBank It currently has a $1.43 billion valuation. Plenty filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23, 2025, but they successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 29, 2025, after the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas confirmed their reorganization plan. Current inventors may be at risk of losing significant capital, as the future of the company is unclear and there's really no telling whether Plenty will perform well in the future. Bezos, with his current estimated net worth of $233 billion, is not only the fourth richest man in the world, but he's also a large financial backer in this new-age farming trend. Learn More: Nothing is certain in the investing world, but you should probably hold off on investing in Plenty — at least for now. Unlike big technology companies or pharmaceutical companies, or you know, one of the richest men in the world, you don't have the extra money to invest in any new whim. However, it's crucial to always do your research and due diligence before investing in any company and follow your gut. Additionally, it's important to evaluate your risk tolerance. Early investing in startups may come with more inherent risks versus investing in companies with decades long track records of consistent growth and market performance. Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 Mark Cuban Says Trump's Executive Order To Lower Medication Costs Has a 'Real Shot' -- Here's Why This article originally appeared on A Jeff Bezos Investment Just Became a Bargain, but Is It Worth It?
Zawya
14-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Turning the Tide: Democratic Republic of Congo's Emergency Food Production Project Sows Resilience, Plants Hope
In the early morning, the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun. In Kwilu, Kasai, and Tshopo provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rural communities are reclaiming their land with renewed energy. Here, every furrow in the earth tells a story of resilience and hope. These fertile lands have long been trapped in a vicious circle of poor-quality seed, limited access to fertilizers, outdated farming techniques, low yields, and unstable incomes. A tradition of subsistence farming has confined families to day-to-day survival, leaving them vulnerable to climate shocks and food crises. That has changed thanks to the deployment of the Emergency Food Production Project ( (PURPA in the French acronym), which is being implemented by the African Development Bank ( as part of the African Emergency Food Production Facility ( The project aims to restore food production in the most vulnerable rural areas of the DRC as rapidly as possible. Large-scale distribution of seeds and other agricultural inputs lies at the heart of the project and has delivered a decisive impact: More than 325 tonnes of rice, 388 tonnes of maize and 1.4 million linear metres of cassava cuttings have been distributed, far exceeding initial forecasts. 49,749 farming households have been reached, primarily women, who are often on the front line in the battle to feed their families. Villagers in the communities covered by the project are enthusiastic, reflecting a rebirth of hope as the fields come back to life. The seed is in the ground and local people believe the harvest should be sufficient to meet their families' needs while leaving a surplus for sale on the market. Beyond the distributions, PURPA has strengthened the capacities of agricultural research stations such as the one at Kiyaka in Kwilu province in the centre of the country, enabling local production of improved maize and rice seeds. Over 100 tonnes of maize seed, 33 tonnes of rice and 2.55 million cassava cuttings have been produced. The distribution of 334 tonnes of fertilizer also offers a guarantee of suitable and affordable seeds for future seasons. Targeted training programmes have also been launched. The Project financed the training of 300 managers and administrative staff, 30% of whom were women, using the "farmers' field-school" approach with a focus on seed production and technical itineraries. These initiatives not only improve yields but also strengthen the capacities of women and agricultural cooperatives. A final push to distribute fertilizer and seed produced by the research centres is scheduled for the coming months. Multiple outcomes are expected: increased farm incomes through the sale of surpluses; the creation of new economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people; significant improvement in food security with a reduction of lean periods; and the development of more autonomous agriculture that is less dependent on external aid. Local authorities in several provinces are also observing a reduction in rural exodus as young people return to their towns to participate in this new-style agriculture, attracted by more promising prospects. For these communities, the Emergency Food Production Project is not just a response to the global food crisis. It is a veritable "school of resilience" where solidarity, local know-how and agricultural innovation support and encourage each other. In these regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, farming is no longer just about survival. In these newly seeded fields, it has become a means of development, investment, and heritage. Much remains to be done, but the transformation is underway. In these once fragile rural lands, a conviction is taking root: change, from now on, comes from here. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
