Premier Foods, the food manufacturer behind brands such as Mr Kipling, Batchelors and McDougalls, is investing in developing low carbon wheat as part of its sustainability efforts.

It is partnering with wheat supplier Bartholomew to trial the move across 165 acres of farmland in southern England.

It will use low carbon fertiliser, created through using renewable energy and decisn to provide a more controlled release of nutrients. It is also designed so that less fertiliser is needed.

“As well as selling flour under our McDougalls and Be-Ro brands, we use flour in around half of all the products we make, so helping British farmers transition to lower carbon wheat is an essential part of our ambitions to reduce the environmental impact of our business,” said Premier Foods director of procurement Gareth Pullan.

“This trial is only the beginning. Our longer-term intention is to take the learnings from this trial to understand how we can support the wider adoption of lower carbon farming across more of the farms growing wheat and other crops across our supply chain.

“We’re also committed to contributing to the efforts of the wider food industry as we all progress towards Net Zero and working collaboratively with our supplier partners will be a crucial part in this journey”

The two farms involved are being funded to adopt more sustainable farming practices.

One of the farmers involved, Wiltshire based Andrew Burchmore added: “Farmers depend on the land for their livelihoods so looking after it is vital.

“A trial like this, where we are supported with new technology, extra funding and expert advice, is essential to help us transition to lower carbon farming, and it’s great to be working with Premier Foods on this summer’s crop.”

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