Emissions from wheat ‘can be halved’

Carbon emissions from wheat production can be halved, suggest trials by a growers’ group supplying grain to Weetabix.

The Lower Carbon Wheat Project was conducted on behalf of the Weetabix Grower’s Group, a collective of over 120 local farmers who grow 75,000 tonnes of wheat annually within 50 miles of the breakfast cereal maker’s mills.

Reducing emissions in wheat production is seen as a critical step in reducing the overall carbon footprint of Weetabix’s largest single ingredient. The trial was undertaken by six farmers from the group.

Results were shared with the rest of the group during a recent farm walk attended by 47 growers and members of the Weetabix team, who worked closely with Map of Ag and European Food and Farming Partnerships.

Host farmer Duncan Farrington said he had achieved a 20% reduction in synthetic nitrogen use in three years by using cover crops, natural manures, and molasses-based biologicals to replenish soil nutrients.

Artifical nitrogen is the largest carbon contributor to greenhouse gas emissions at Mr Farrington’s farm at Hargrave, Northamptonshire. But it is now able to produce wheat with half its usual carbon footprint.

‘Game-changer’

Weetabix Food Company managing director Colm O’Dwyer said: “We’ve worked hand in hand with farmers to make Britain’s favourite breakfast since 1932, and we’re proud to stand for quality, nutritious, more sustainable choices.

“This lower carbon wheat project is a game-changer, not just for Weetabix but for the wider food industry and the future of sustainable agriculture in the UK. Doing the right thing isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it also makes commercial sense.”

A farmer-led approach was vital to the success of the project, said Mr O’Dwyer. Weetabix’s promise to source all its wheat from within 50-miles of its mills was part of the power of the brand, he added.

Diversity

“Making sure that the pilot scheme reflects the diversity of farming, soil types and climate conditions amongst growers is essential to scale the project and to be economically viable.”

King Charles granted Weetabix a royal warrant earlier this year. The company has now been recognised by three generations of the Royal Household since 1973.

It said it remained committed to helping the nation start its day in a sustainable, responsible way.