We will work with our suppliers and their farmers to implement sustainable farming practices across our supply chains.

In 2022, we invested in The Soil Association's participation in the FABulous Farmers programme (funded by Interreg, the European Union's scheme for cooperation across borders). FAB stands for Functional Agro Biodiversity. This project helps farmers identify and adopt practical, nature-friendly farming practices.

The programme provides a supply chain mechanism for adopting agroecological practices and includes peer-to-peer learning through farmer networks, one-to-one advice to assist with technical information on practice adoption, advocacy for policy change in favour of more sustainable and organic farming and development of business models to underpin practice change.

We are also strengthening our environmental standards for growers with the adoption of the global LEAF Marque Standard (across our entire produce supply chain Own Range). LEAF's environmental assurance scheme helps customers identify food that has been grown sustainably and that enriches the environment and engages local communities. We plan for all growers to be certified by 2030.

We are also adopting the 'Sourcing Better' Framework, launched by UK NGO Eating Better, which aims to improve agricultural environmental standards for meat, dairy and egg production

Over half of our carbon emissions come from agriculture, so decarbonising our agriculture supply chain will be critical to achieving our net-zero goal.

We have partnered with the British Retail Consortium Mondra Coalition, which aims to provide a coordinated approach to decarbonising food supply chains at scale through rigorous product footprinting and supplier data collaboration.

Water is critical to our business - our supply chains and operations depend on a healthy water supply. We are a signatory of the WRAP Courtauld Commitment 2030 Water Ambition. Alongside our industry partners, we fund a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)/WRAP programme to reduce water stress in southern Spain.

We will continue to directly support water stewardship projects - including projects in the UK through the Rivers Trust - to work on a localised level, dealing directly at source with issues specific within each water catchment area.

Case study: southern Spain

Southern Spain is one of the most at-risk sourcing regions for the UK food supply in terms of water scarcity and quality, with agriculture being a key driver. The project brings together businesses, growers and other relevant stakeholders to take action at the catchment and river basin level.

This region, and particularly the land within Doñana National Park, is a key growing area for strawberries and other fruit. Outside of the UK growing season, up to 50% of the UK's strawberry imports (by value) come from this region.

The programme involves a range of interventions including diagnosing action needed at a macro and local level (e.g. targeted nature-based solutions, water quality improvements), farmer engagement and knowledge sharing, strengthening certification standards and joint advocacy to improve water governance.