In its report, Achieving Net Zero: Farming’s 2040 Goal, the NFU set the ambitious goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the whole of agriculture in England and Wales by 2040. This is farming's contribution to the UK’s ambition of net zero by 2050.
This is a national aspiration, not an expectation that every farm can reach net zero. The NFU recognises that every farm will start the journey to net zero from a different place and will need a unique action plan. The first step is to assess the likely emissions sources on farm as well as considering on farm carbon sequestration. Using a carbon calculator is one way to achieve this.
The NFU's net zero: Farm Status Indicator has been designed to provide an introduction to carbon footprinting. It focuses on three pillars of activity that the NFU has identified as being key to helping farmers and growers tackle the issue at farm level:
This tool is not a comprehensive carbon calculator, rather it aims to provide a quick and easy guide to the practical measures you can put in place on your farm to reduce your agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
Log in and try out the NFU Farm Status Indicator today to see where you are on the journey to reducing your emissions. On completion you'll also find a number of resources that will help you on farm, net zero guidance and a review of three carbon calculators most applicable to you.
Select five elements that you are working to implement on your farm from the three pillars below, choosing at least one topic from each pillar. If there are more or less than five, choose the five which are most relevant to you and your business.
Once you have made all your selections, you'll be scored between 0 and 5, with 5 being the closest to achieving net zero. You will also be given relevant resources to help you improve your score.