Sowing the seeds of change
Soil Association is making the future of food sustainable
“With Soil Association, we have looked at the entire food system to consider how best to drive change. Engaging the breadth of the supply chain provides a unique opportunity to plot a route towards a system that will better care for our natural world.”
Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, UK retail and consumer products lead
A regenerative food system starts with restorative tools and tech
The way food is produced and consumed has a significant impact on our climate. We depend on those in the supply chain to make the right choices and changes.
Today, food production is a major contributor to global warming and biodiversity loss. In fact, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Our food system needs fixing; from the ways we produce and distribute to how we consume. Digital innovation will play an important role in helping us create robust frameworks.
Through a four-year pro bono collaboration, Deloitte has been working closely with Soil Association to help encourage a rethink in the way we eat, farm and care for the natural world in the UK. Together, we’re linking key stakeholders across farming, catering, retail, education and policy to drive a shift that’s better for all.
Connecting the supply chain
Deloitte’s sustainability and digital experts have brought tech capabilities and strategic insight to the table.
We’ve helped the organisation shape its strategy and markets, update its IT, map the food system and futureproof its programmes. This includes three major initiatives making farms, farmers and the food ecosystem more ecologically and financially sound.
Soil Association Exchange is a digital platform designed to connect the entire supply chain, providing farmers with tools, guidance and access to financial support to help them transition to regenerative practices. We supported the team in shaping its early strategy and provided support on the self-serve tool that enables farmers to track their progress through data, whilst giving retailers visibility into the sustainability credentials of their suppliers.
Innovative Farmers is another platform that connects farmers with researchers to run trials focused on industry challenges. We explored alternative funding models and commercial opportunities to secure the future of the programme once dependent on government support.
And finally, as part of our efforts to contribute our skills and finance to societal decarbonisation beyond our value chain, we’ve revamped Cool Food Pro, a free carbon calculator that helps caterers understand the carbon footprint of their ingredients, allowing them to increase the sustainability of their menus, making a big impact on both the plate and the planet.
From farm to fork
“Our work with Deloitte has been more than standalone projects; it has given us a clearer view across our initiatives and increased our potential reach and impact,” shares James Cashmore, managing director of Soil Association.
Cool Food Pro, for example, has saved over 1,998 tonnes of carbon dioxide or equivalent during the collaboration period, as well as 228+ million litres of water and over 50 square kilometres of biodiversity. The calculator has been taken up by 27 NHS hospital trusts, 38 universities and 87 schools, as well as local authorities, large catering organisations and not-for-profits. They’ve also delivered workshops for more than 500 consumers.
“Cool Food Pro is a great example of Soil Association having an amazing free tool that has ambition and potential to grow. Our support has given them the space and capacity to become more customer focused, evolving into a scalable product,” says Ed Greig, Deloitte Digital’s chief disruptor.
For both society and Soil Association, this relationship is helping to plant the seeds of change, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Get in touch:
Rachel Glover
Social Impact Sustainability & Climate Partnerships Lead
raglover@deloitte.co.uk
+44 20 7007 0416
