The Prince’s Countryside Fund and Morrisons have announced a new programme of support for Cumbrian farming families who are looking to reduce their on-farm carbon footprint. 

The Carbon Clarity programme was launched at the Great Yorkshire Show, on Tuesday 12^th July, with a myth-busting session for PCF farmers and Morrisons suppliers, facilitated by workshop consultant Becky Willson, from the Farm Carbon Toolkit.

This year, the joint initiative will provide up to 20 farming families with an introduction to carbon opportunities on farm through a group workshop, one-to-one support, and assistance in creating a carbon ‘action plan’. Becky will deliver the workshop, and The Farmer Network, Cumbria, will help farmers create their action plans, as well as provide ongoing support.

This work forms year one of Morrisons’ three-year commitment to The Prince’s Countryside Fund, alongside sponsorship of their flagship initiative, the Farm Resilience Programme. Now in its sixth year, the Farm Resilience Programme has helped over 1000 UK farmers to get to grips with their business; for every £1 invested in the programme, participating farmers see £3 return. The Carbon Clarity workshop also sits within the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, a unique initiative that seeks to boost sustainable farming practices in the UK, of which Morrisons are a founding partner.

Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing, at Morrisons said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our generation and growing our food is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But we understand that it can be difficult for farmers to access information about what they can do on their own farms to help reduce carbon. As British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, we’re in a unique position to guide our farms and help lead changes in environmental practices - so we’re delighted to support this scheme to help the UK’s smaller farms.”

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “The PCF is committed to helping farming families successfully navigate this period of agricultural transition. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Morrisons for supporting the Carbon Clarity programme which will help equip farmers with the knowledge and practical skills to manage their carbon on farm and take full advantage of upcoming opportunities through environmental management programmes across the UK.”

Interested farmers can now sign up for the Carbon Clarity with sessions scheduled to begin in September 2022. If you’d like to register or find out more about the programme, please visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/carbonclarity