UK | Waitrose has announced new partnerships with Soil Association Exchange and Regenified to accelerate its support for British farmers to produce food in ways that restore and protect the environment.
It marked a significant step in Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme, which aims to support 2,000 British farmers in moving to nature-friendly farming practices, helping boost the long-term resilience of farms, secure food supplies, and combat the effects of climate change.
With a plan for all its UK farms to be using regenerative practices by 2030, Waitrose has committed to reaching net zero across its UK farms by 2035.
“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,” said Andrew Hoad, Director of Leckford and Farming for Nature at Waitrose.
“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.”
The new partnership with the Soil Association Exchange - a farm-measurement tool backed by the Soil Association - involves a four-year programme to support the early-adopting farms representing key Waitrose supply chains.
By tracking metrics on soil health, biodiversity, water, carbon, animal welfare, and social impact, it will provide robust measurement and build evidence of the impact of changing farming practices.
“Farmers want to do the right thing for nature and their businesses, but they need clear evidence, trusted advice, and fair reward,” said Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange.
“Through this partnership, Waitrose is helping farmers turn robust data into practical on-the-ground changes, 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 work closely with existing partners such as Land App, LEAF, and the University of Reading, combining forces to help farmers succeed amid changing climate realities.
In a landmark move with Regenified, Waitrose will offer 100 farms free access to the framework to achieve a Regenified certification. This will help farmers across livestock, dairy, fresh produce, and horticulture measure and track improvements over time in key areas such as soil health, water management, and biodiversity.
“We are honoured to join Waitrose and the Soil Association Exchange in this forward-thinking programme,” said Salar Shemirani, Co-Founder and CEO, Regenified.
“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 changing the food system for the better. We are proud to stand alongside such respected partners in helping farmers demonstrate real, measurable progress toward a regenerative future.”
Participation in the Regenified certification is voluntary, and Waitrose is offering 100 Waitrose farmers or growers the opportunity to undertake the programme for three years. Waitrose is the first UK supermarket to certify regenerative farming at scale independently.
As the only UK supermarket-owned farm producing high-quality ingredients sold at Waitrose stores, the Leckford Estate will work with both new partners. The farm has been using regenerative practices since 2020, and its orchard and vineyards became the first in the UK to achieve Regenified certification.
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