The GWCT Allerton Project is looking for ten wheat farmers in the Nestlé/Purina supply chain in the East (Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Northants) to work together to baseline, trial, train, benchmark, network and innovate their way towards net zero.
Looking across the whole farm, this three-year opportunity gives farmers the chance to work with experts and address specific challenges and opportunities in their business, as well as meet, discuss and learn within a peer group of farmers.
We will be trying to answer questions such as what climate-friendly farming really looks like, how we can improve existing solutions, and how we work together to reach profitable low-carbon businesses.
This project allows farmers to work with advisors and experts, access free training, network, and visit other likeminded farmers and researchers, as well as get closer to their supplier and help to shape their sustainability strategy. The project offers fully funded, tailored and bespoke opportunities wherever you are on your regenerative farming journey. If you are at the early stages trying to make it work on your farm or looking to be challenged for the next step, we would like to work with you.
What does it involve?
- Support and guidance from the Allerton Project team as you look to identify and make changes to your business through quarterly online meetings.
- Work with industry experts to measure and baseline the soil, biodiversity, carbon and cropping on your farm.
- Following baselining work with advisers to set objectives and make improvements on-farm.
- Alongside expert guidance, the ten farms will be invited to the Allerton Project for a series of training courses including BASIS certified training.
- Benchmarking with nine other farmers on carbon, regenerative farming and input use efficiency measures.
- Work and learn with nine other farmers. Expand and increase your own findings by comparing and discussing these with peers through farm visits and regular discussion.
- Links and insight into the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENS) programme in the East of England and opportunities to be involved in trials.
- Improve relationship with Nestlé and help play a critical role in shaping Nestlé’s view on regenerative farming, what good looks like and how to encourage this amongst their grower base.
If you would like to benefit from the funding, advice and support available through this opportunity, to work towards net zero, future-proof your business and get you ready for natural capital opportunities then please get in touch.
Eligibility
If you supply wheat to Openfield, Camgrain, Charles Jackson or Chiltern Grains and farm in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire then this opportunity is for you!
To apply, please complete this application form or for more information contact Joe Stanley at jstanley@gwct.org.uk. We would be grateful for an application by 30 November; successful applicants will be notified in December to kick the project off in January.