In a pioneering move, Marks & Spencer has partnered with Huntapac to trial autonomous farming techniques in Yorkshire, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in produce cultivation.
Marks & Spencer (M&S), the renowned British retail chain, has embarked on an innovative farming trial in a bid to reduce carbon emissions associated with its produce. In partnership with root vegetable supplier Huntapac, M&S has initiated the use of drones and robot tractors for autonomous farming, focusing initially on parsnips. This trial is taking place in Yorkshire, where the first batch of these autonomously cultivated parsnips was planted in March.
As part of this groundbreaking initiative, M&S has integrated two robotic machines for essential farming operations such as bed forming, weeding, and planting. In addition to these robots, two types of drones are deployed to monitor and maintain the health of the crops, ensuring optimal growth conditions and addressing any potential issues in a timely manner. This blend of technology not only promises to enhance crop quality and yield but also aims to significantly slash the carbon footprint typically associated with traditional farming.
The environmental benefits of this method are notable. The approach retains carbon within the soil, utilizing environmentally friendly fertilisers and technology that consumes markedly less diesel than conventional tractors. This initiative aligns with M&S’s broader commitment to sustainability under its Plan A programme, which seeks to achieve net zero carbon emissions through various innovation-driven projects.
Andrew Clappen, the technical director of M&S Food, highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating, “Agriculture is one of our biggest contributors to emissions, so it’s important that we find new lower impact farming methods.” He underscored the significance of trialling innovative methods to support the company’s Plan A roadmap to net zero emissions. Clappen pointed out that this project has successfully delivered parsnips of M&S quality while reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, he noted that the adoption of these technologies could lead to the creation of highly skilled jobs and attract new talent to the agricultural sector.
This trial represents the first M&S Food project financed by the Plan A accelerator fund, which was introduced earlier this year. The fund is designed to support swift actions towards achieving sustainability goals via a series of innovation-focused ventures. The outcome of this trial promises tangible environmental benefits, while also potentially revolutionising farming practices across the UK retail sector. The autonomously farmed parsnips are expected to be available in M&S stores by November, offering customers a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.
Source: Noah Wire Services