We know that feeding our future means being ambitious and responsible in equal measure.

We’re already the biggest producer of higher welfare pork in the UK and recognised as the best and most respected pig farmer in our industry.

That means we are at the forefront of defining new industry standards in sustainable farming and food production.

Working closely with our farmers on issues from animal welfare to water usage is the only way we will truly deliver on sustainability in the eyes of our consumers and communities.

Sustainable farming means an uncompromising focus on managing risk, sharing knowledge, and working with the right partners to make a difference:

Our Farming

Biodiversity & Soil

We champion environmentally-sound farming techniques that preserve natural resources and help to enrich the soils for healthier animals and crops.

All our higher welfare sows spend their entire lives outdoors and play a key role in the farming rotation.

Water

We pioneer initiatives to manage and preserve water quality and quantity and are involved in various river catchment programmes.

Carbon footprint

We are further developing sustainable farming practices which reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our higher welfare supply chain.

Plastics

By working collaboratively with our feed suppliers, we have reduced the amount of conventional plastic used in the production of our higher welfare animal feed bags and increased the proportion of recycled plastics.

Farm efficiency

We’re setting the industry standard for farming practices and and sustainable showcase farms. Our state-of-the-art trials farm also helps to keep us front and centre of sustainable agriculture research and development.

Animal feed

Our sustainable feed policy covers all aspects of feed, this includes working towards the use of soya from deforestation-free supply chains. We use the least amount of soya in our own pig’s diets compared to any other pig supply chain in Europe, and the soya we do use is 100% certified as sustainably sourced.

Within our own higher welfare supply chain, we aim to maximise the use of local raw materials and by-products to reduce our carbon footprint. These include wheatfeed, rapeseed meal, biscuit meal and homegrown proteins where possible.

Fair prices for farmers

We continue to promote local resilient supply chains and a key part of this is ensuring fair prices are paid to our farmers for the work they do.

People

People are at the heart of our farming supply chains and it is vital that all are treated fairly and with respect.

Ethical employment

All BQP farmers receive guidance and support on ethical employment and modern slavery awareness. They also complete assessments that give us confidence that farm employees are being treated fairly and with respect.

 

Well-being   

The well-being of our farmers is important to us and we understand that farming can be a tough industry. That’s why we’ve introduced a confidential reporting line for any farmers or employess who want to anonymously discuss any concerns. Our Fields team also receives health & safety and mental health awareness training so they can support our BQP farmers and signpost further help.

Next generation

We offer support to our farmers our own BQP team with apprenticeships to equip the next generation of farming talent with the skills they need to develop and blossom in their careers. We have worked collaboratively with agricultural/veterinary colleges and universities over many years to provide valuable work placements and scholarships.
We also provide opportunities for our teams to gain further qualifications including apprenticeships. Ollie, who has now progressed to Grower Fields Person started his career with us as an apprentice and was awarded Trainee of the Year at the NPA Awards 2019.

Community

Our farming communities are important to us and we attend as many agricultural shows and educational events throughout the UK as we can, to share our knowledge and passion for sustainable farming and food production.