In a strategic move to enhance its commitment to sustainable practices, Waitrose has unveiled new partnerships as part of its Farming for Nature program. This initiative aims to assist 2,000 British farmers in transitioning to nature-friendly farming techniques. By doing so, it seeks to enhance the long-term resilience of farms, secure food supplies, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A key component of this initiative is the collaboration with the Soil Association Exchange, which features a farm-measurement tool supported by the Soil Association. Over the course of four years, this partnership will focus on empowering early adopting farms that represent essential Waitrose supply chains.
The initiative emphasizes robust metrics tracking for critical factors such as soil health, biodiversity, water usage, carbon emissions, animal welfare, and overall social impact. This evidence-based approach aims to showcase the benefits of adopting new farming practices.
Waitrose describes its collaboration with Regenified as a “landmark” initiative. As part of this effort, the supermarket chain will grant 100 farms free access to a framework aimed at attaining Regenified certification, which serves as a verification for regenerative agriculture.
This certification will assist farmers across diverse sectors—including livestock, dairy, fresh produce, and horticulture—in monitoring and tracking their progress in areas such as soil health, water management, and biodiversity, according to the supermarket.
Andrew Hoad, director of Leckford and Farming for Nature at Waitrose, stated: “We are delighted to bring both Soil Association Exchange and Regenified into our Farming For Nature programme. Their expertise will be vital in developing our approach, providing monitoring, measuring impact, and demonstrating progress.”
“Our commitment to regenerative farming reflects our belief that producing high-quality food and caring for the environment go hand in hand. We are leading the way in backing British farmers, protecting nature, meeting climate goals, and building a sustainable and resilient food system from the ground up.”
Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange, remarked: “Farmers want to do the right thing for nature and their businesses, but they need clear evidence, trusted advice, and fair reward. Through this partnership, Waitrose is helping farmers turn robust data into practical changes on the ground, backed by the advice and support they need. It’s a powerful step towards a food system that is both climate-resilient and profitable for farmers.”
Soil Association Exchange will also collaborate with existing partners like Land App, LEAF, and the University of Reading to further support farmers.
Salar Shemirani, co-founder and CEO at Regenified, expressed: “We are honoured to join Waitrose and the Soil Association Exchange in this forward-thinking programme.
“Their commitment to giving farmers the tools, data, and independent verification they need to build resilient, nature-friendly businesses is a testament to the foresight of Waitrose and its suppliers, demonstrating their commitment to change the food system for the better.”
Waitrose has set ambitious goals, planning for all its UK farms to adopt regenerative practices by 2030, with a commitment to achieving net zero across its operations by 2035.
