Waitrose has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainable agriculture by announcing new partnerships with Soil Association Exchange and Regenified to bolster support for British farmers transitioning to nature-friendly farming practices. These alliances form part of Waitrose’s broader Farming for Nature programme, which aims to assist 2,000 British farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture methods by 2030. The initiative is designed to enhance farm resilience, secure food supplies, and address the pressing challenges of climate change. Furthermore, the supermarket has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across its UK farms by 2035.

Andrew Hoad, Director of Leckford and Farming for Nature at Waitrose, emphasised the importance of these partnerships, stating that the expertise brought by Soil Association Exchange and Regenified will be crucial for monitoring, measuring impact, and demonstrating progress. He underscored the company’s belief that producing high-quality food and environmental stewardship are mutually reinforcing goals. According to Hoad, the programme is at the forefront of supporting British farmers while protecting nature, achieving climate targets, and creating a sustainable and resilient food system from the ground up.

The collaboration with Soil Association Exchange involves a four-year programme targeting early-adopting farms within Waitrose’s key supply chains. This partnership will provide farmers with a comprehensive farm-measurement tool focused on tracking soil health, biodiversity, water quality, carbon emissions, animal welfare, and social impact. Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange, explained that farmers often face challenges in accessing clear evidence, trusted advice, and fair reward for their nature-friendly practices. He praised Waitrose’s role in helping farmers transform robust data into actionable on-farm improvements, moving towards a food system that balances climate resilience with profitability.

In parallel, Waitrose has introduced a "landmark move" with Regenified by offering 100 farms free access to its regenerative agriculture certification framework. This will enable farmers across various sectors, including livestock, dairy, fresh produce, and horticulture, to measure and track improvements in critical areas such as soil health, water management, and biodiversity over time. Salar Shemirani, Co-Founder and CEO at Regenified, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting that Waitrose’s commitment to equipping farmers with necessary tools and independent verification exemplifies leadership in reshaping the future of food production towards sustainability.

Waitrose’s investments in regenerative farming also include a £1 million expansion of its programme, reaffirming its ambition for all UK farms under its supply chain to adopt regenerative practices by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2035. This financial commitment reflects the growing importance of restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and building greater resilience to climate change impacts among British farms.

The Soil Association Exchange itself is a collaborative centre designed to promote nature-friendly farming, bringing together retailers, producers, suppliers, and investors. It supports farmers by providing measurement tools, expert advice, and financial incentives to reward their positive environmental and social contributions. This initiative aligns with broader movements to scientifically quantify the benefits of innovative farming practices and accelerate environmental progress.

In addition to measurement and certification efforts, Waitrose is deploying advanced technology through partnerships with tools like Land App to gather real-time environmental data. Over 2,000 farmers in the Waitrose supply chain will access digital mapping technologies and expert guidance to develop long-term regenerative plans aimed at improving soil health, reducing flooding risks, and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

Waitrose’s own Leckford Estate in Hampshire has achieved Regenified certification, becoming the first vineyard and orchard in the UK to do so. This recognition highlights a practical example of regenerative practices in action, including increased plant diversity and minimal soil disturbance, reinforcing the credibility and impact of the certification framework Waitrose is now extending to its suppliers.

Overall, Waitrose’s expanded commitments and partnerships signal a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to transforming British agriculture. By combining financial investment, technology, expert collaboration, and certification frameworks, the supermarket aims to foster a nature-friendly food system that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers alike.