Biodiversity is deemed essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. However, the UK faces a stark reality. Data from Natural England’s State of Nature report, published in 2023, paints a concerning picture. Since 1970, our native species have declined by an alarming 19% on average, with nearly 16% teetering on the brink of extinction. This ecological imbalance carries far-reaching consequences, potentially disrupting the very foundation of our supply chain, impacting product quality, consumer safety, and the reliability of essential services.
The importance of farm biodiversity
Farm biodiversity plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of businesses further up the supply chain. While farmers are on the frontlines of agricultural biodiversity, food processors and retailers rely on this biodiversity from their suppliers. Ultimately, it enhances efficiencies, preserves profits, and helps build customer trust in food companies’ brands.
The hidden cost of nature loss
According to Natural England’s State of Nature report, the UK’s biodiversity loss has, principally, been caused by changing farming practices. This has had knock-on effects on the entire food chain. For processors, the impacts are as follows:
- Supply disruptions – When biodiversity is reduced, the resilience of agricultural systems to pests, diseases and environmental stresses are lessened and, potentially, crop yields decrease. This creates unpredictability in your supply chain, leading to product shortages and increased costs.
- Greater processing needs – Reduced biodiversity can result in reduced levels or lower quality raw materials for food processing and can necessitate the need for processors to add additional processing steps to maintain quality and quantity. This adds additional energy and resource costs to your operations, impacting your bottom line.
Consumer trust and image – Consumers are increasingly aware of food sustainability issues. Biodiversity loss linked to agriculture can tarnish your brand reputation and impact consumer confidence in the products you sell.
Promar’s holistic approach to nature revival
Working with a partner, such as Promar International, can be invaluable to supply chain companies. With our long track record of working with the agricultural sector, we understand the complexities of improving habitats and wildlife management in agriculture. Over the years, we have developed a range of cost-effective solutions that directly benefit farmers while securing long-term gains for food processors.
Here’s how Promar can help.
1. Benchmarking and assessment
Promar provides tools and expertise to help farmers accurately assess their existing biodiversity and opportunities to increase wildlife habitat provision. These methods and approaches create data-driven baselines for identifying areas for improvement, enabling measurable progress, and showcasing environmental stewardship.
Here are just two examples of the tools and services that Promar has developed:
- Biodiversity action plans – we work with farmers to create farm-specific plans for boosting biodiversity. Farmers learn how their practices affect wildlife and ecosystems, and we work together to we create action plans with funding and management strategies. Ultimately, this helps both farmers and processors to minimize negative environmental impacts, without financial loss.
- Above-ground biomass (tree and hedgerow) assessments – Our tree and hedgerow assessment helps farmers understand the amount of carbon stored in their trees and hedgerows, building on existing carbon audits. Combining mapping, measurements, and research, the assessment guides farmers on maximizing carbon storage and other benefits, such as habitat creation.
2. Tailored advice and support
Promar’s skilled team of farm and sustainability consultants offers customised, evidence-backed advice on optimising habitat maintenance and development practices. Depending on what we find, we may recommend actions that include, but are not confined to:
- Strategic placement of pollinator habitat areas with flowering plants, increasing feed sources for bees, butterflies and other insects.
- Planned areas of winter wildlife habitat areas for autumn and winter, supplying important feed resources for birds and insects.
- Targeted creation of species-rich grassland, supporting the survival of important plant species while benefiting other wildlife species.
3. Accessing funding opportunities
Many farmers are grappling with the complexities of new funding schemes that are coming on-stream. These are replacing the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
With our knowledge of agricultural grants and funding sources, Promar can guide farmers towards the resources they need to implement positive biodiversity improvement projects. These schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), can help offset the costs of establishing and maintaining increasing biodiversity measures, making sustainable practices more accessible to farmers.
The payoffs for food processors
By supporting initiatives that leverage Promar International’s expertise, food processors can reap significant benefits:
- Stable and reliable ingredient supply – Improved biodiversity management translates to a more secure supply of high-quality agricultural products, minimising disruptions caused by biodiversity losses.
- Reduced operational costs – Increased biodiversity can reduce the need for additional farm costs, such as for expensive items like pesticides. Lower costs at the farm level potentially benefit processors’ bottom lines.
- Positive brand image – Demonstrating a proactive stance towards environmental responsibility and resource stewardship builds positive brand perception in an increasingly eco-conscious consumer market.
Investing in the future of UK food production
The success of food processors rests not only on the quality of finished products but also on the sustainability and resilience of the entire supply chain. Collaborating with farmers through Promar is a forward-thinking strategy that delivers long-term advantages.
Here’s how food processors can encourage farmers to adopt better nature improvement practices with Promar’s help:
- Integrate biodiversity plans into supplier contracts – Include clauses on best management practices, biodiversity requirements, and reporting procedures.
- Offer incentives – Provide financial incentives, technical advice or preferential terms to farmers who demonstrate commitment to increasing biodiversity and work with organisations like Promar.
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing – Organise workshops or forums where farmers and food processors discuss improving biodiversity challenges and learn about Promar’s solutions.
Ensuring increasing biodiversity within our agricultural sector is not just an environmental responsibility – it’s good business for everyone involved in the food-supply chain. By investing in farm wildlife initiatives, food processors are investing in a sustainable future for their industry, and for the UK.
Contact us
To find out more about how Promar’s Sustainability team can help you to strengthen and future-proof your supply chain, contact us today. We are already working with the likes of Tesco, Dunbia, McDonalds and Arla. Make use of our experience and know-how to help your suppliers achieve the outcomes you require.
Call us on 01270 616800 for an introductory discussion, or contact us via the form below.
About The Author
Vicki.Halliwell@genusplc.com