At Groundswell 2026, Beyond Zero’s Doug Wanstall explored one of the biggest challenges facing the food and farming sector: reducing Scope 3 emissions across complex supply chains.
For many food businesses, Scope 3 emissions account for the majority of their overall carbon footprint. As processors, manufacturers and retailers work towards ambitious Net Zero targets, understanding and addressing emissions generated on farms has become a critical priority.
In this session, Doug explains why agriculture sits at the heart of the solution. Unlike most industries, farms have the unique ability not only to reduce emissions but also to remove carbon from the atmosphere through natural assets such as soils, woodlands, hedgerows and habitats.
The presentation explores how farmers can measure their carbon footprint, understand their net carbon position and identify opportunities to improve efficiency while supporting long-term business resilience. Doug also examines the growing importance of carbon sequestration and the role it plays in helping businesses develop credible pathways towards Net Zero.
Drawing on practical examples from UK farms, the session highlights how collaboration between farmers, processors, retailers and sustainability teams can create value throughout the supply chain while supporting environmental and commercial objectives.
Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, processor, retailer or sustainability professional, this discussion provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of tackling Scope 3 emissions across the food industry.
Watch the full session below.