Steps to Net Zero

How we can help you reduce your emissions and progress towards a low carbon future.

Transition your business to Net Zero emissions

To support you on your journey to net zero our agriculture team has received sustainability training from the world-leading Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. Your Relationship Manager will work with you to help transition your business through:

  • Providing discounted lending through our Clean Growth Financing Initiative for a broad range of investments in sustainable agriculture, from renewable energy generation such as solar and wind, to green agri-tech solutions.
  • Heavily subsidising tree and hedgerow planting through the Woodland Trust to reduce cost to you by up to 75%.
  • Measuring your carbon footprint, using a free carbon calculator tool that is right for you. We can introduce you to either the Cool Farm Tool, the Farm Carbon Toolkit or Agrecalc.
  • Providing regular sustainability information sessions with recognised leaders on a wide range of issues related to the low-carbon agenda, from regenerative agriculture to managing your soil health to improving both yield and environmental benefits in the field to help you in your transition.

Steps to Net Zero

Our ambition is to be the sector’s partner of choice on its transition to a low carbon future. Climate change presents both risks and opportunities, and having supported many generations of farmers we’re keen to work with you to help finance a greener future, together.

Planting trees and hedgerows to sequester carbon

Tree planting and reforestation is key to decarbonising the UK’s agriculture land and increasing the UK’s woodland cover in line with the UK’s transition to net zero. Our partnership with the Woodland Trust offers farms the opportunity to plant trees and hedges at heavily subsidised rates, reducing the cost to you by up to 75%.

Improve productivity and efficiency

There are a number of ways to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency while also reducing your carbon footprint. Reducing nitrous oxide and methane emissions are priorities, via activities such as the use of controlled release fertilisers and urease inhibitors and improving animal health and reducing livestock numbers overall.

Invest in low carbon agri-technology

The adoption of agri-tech solutions is a key enabler of the transition to net zero. From utilising livestock sensors, precision agriculture and hydroponic technology, the solutions support an increase in both yield and productivity. Find out more about lending options available.

Boost renewable energy generation

Boosting renewable energy and the bio-economy to displace greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels is a key part of the NFU’s ambition for achieving net zero. Investment in renewable energy can provide additional income, support the production of organic fertiliser and improve waste management.

Improve soil health

Soils are the second largest carbon sink after our oceans, containing approximately 94% of the total carbon stored in the biosphere. Soil health is therefore hugely important both to preserving soil fertility, and the fight against climate change. Key solutions include maintaining cover crops, minimising tillage and tree planting.

Restore peatlands

Peatlands are a key part of the UK’s landscape, covering 12% of the UK’s land area. Both upland and lowland peatlands are significant carbon sinks with 57% of the UK’s soil carbon stored in peatland. However, it is estimated that 80% of peatlands are significantly damaged, and so restoring and preserving peatlands is crucial.

 

Customer case studies

Find out how we’ve helped farmers become more sustainable.

Read our customer stories
 

Soil health for sustainable agriculture

As the industry is encouraged to move towards sustainable agriculture and sustainable food production, soil and soil health is a key area of focus.

Read our article on the importance of soil health

 

Hedgerow Management for Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity

Hear how countryside stewardship can improve biodiversity and increase wildlife using tree and hedgerow planting, wildflower margins, wild bird seed mixes and beetle banks.

Watch our webinar discussing the importance of hedgerow management

For further information about the compensation provided by the FSCS, refer to the FSCS website at www.fscs.org.uk. You can also visit our FSCS page for more details.