Free Carbon Audits for Farm Cluster Members - find out more Wednesday 21st June, 7.30pm, The George Inn, Shalford. 

As farmers, we are all aware of the importance of knowing the carbon status of our farms. The UK government has set a net-zero target for all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with the NFU going further and targeting net zero for agriculture by 2040.

Carbon is not only important from an efficiency perspective within our farm businesses with regard to nitrogen and fuel use, but increasingly the market is demanding low carbon crops. Sustainable supply chains are the future in our industry, and with many food companies setting their own net zero deadlines well in advance of the government target, it's important that we're not left behind as the market changes. Companies such as Arla, Simpson's Malt and Cargill are leading the market to buy from farms that are managing their carbon footprint in a sustainable way. For many of these companies their farmer suppliers are key in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the company, so it follows that they want to work with farms who can prove their low carbon credentials. We also know that there is a growing market for carbon credits, which farmers may be in a position to have certified and sell to offset the environmental impacts of other businesses. 

So, as farmers, where do we start? The first step is to find out the current carbon footprint of our businesses, to get a baseline. Carbon footprints on farms depend hugely on the farming system in place, the impact of stewardship schemes and the crops we are producing, so working with an expert to analyse your current position is essential. Some of our farms will already be carbon neutral, with others needing a few tweaks to be in the best position going forward. This is where the North Essex Farm Cluster can help - by being part of the farm Cluster you can benefit from and access advice and support to take the next step.

We are delighted to offer North Essex Farm Cluster members an opportunity to have a carbon audit conducted for their business completely free of charge in partnership with Ceres Rural. A full carbon audit typically costs upwards of £500 per farm depending on size, so we hope that as many of our North Essex Farm Cluster members will take up this offer of a free audit as possible. 

To help demystify the process, two neighbouring farms from within the North Essex Farm Cluster, each using two different arable systems, have agreed to undergo a carbon audit with Ceres Rural in advance of the event, and will share their experiences of the process with cluster members. Join us at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21st June at The George Inn, Shalford, where you can find out more about how a carbon audit is conducted, the findings from the two farms that have just been through it, how to sign up for your own free audit and how to use the results to benefit your farm business. Thanks go to Ceres Rural, who are partnering with us on this event and offer.

To reserve your place at this event, please use Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-essex-farm-cluster-carbon-audit-evening-tickets-650677181967 or email us at info@northessexfarmcluster.co.uk.