M&S is pioneering an innovative approach by utilising drones and robot tractors in a trial to reduce carbon emissions within its parsnip farming operations.
- The initiative marks the UK’s first attempt by a retailer to harness these technologies to enhance both the quality and yield of crops, alongside cutting carbon emissions.
- This autonomous farming trial is conducted in partnership with Huntapac in Yorkshire, using robots for planting and drones for monitoring the crops.
- The project is part of M&S’s Plan A sustainability programme, funded to drive rapid actions towards achieving net zero emissions.
- Andrew Clappen of M&S emphasises the potential industry-wide benefits, including skilled job creation and talent attraction, if such technologies are broadly adopted.
M&S is at the forefront of agricultural innovation with its new trial involving drones and robot tractors to reduce carbon emissions associated with parsnip cultivation. The retailer is the first in the UK to explore such an autonomous method, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and enhanced crop production efficiency.
In partnership with Huntapac, M&S commenced the planting of parsnips in Yorkshire in March. Two robots have been deployed for tasks such as bed forming, weeding, and planting, while drones serve to monitor and maintain crop health efficiently. The implementation of such technology underscores the synergy between traditional farming and modern advancements.
The core advantage of this approach is the reduction of carbon emissions, achieved by locking carbon into the soil and utilising green fertilisers. The technology employed also requires substantially less diesel compared to conventional tractors, further minimising environmental impact.
The trial forms a key component of M&S’s broader sustainability endeavour, Plan A. This programme, through its accelerator fund, supports projects that aim to propel the company towards its net zero goals via innovative means. The use of cutting-edge technology not only aligns with these goals but also seeks to improve crop yield and quality.
Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S, articulates the trial’s significance, stating: “Agriculture is one of our biggest contributors to emissions, so it’s important that we find new lower impact farming methods.” He highlights the dual achievement of carbon reduction and high-quality crop yield, underlining the potential these technologies hold in creating skilled employment opportunities across the sector.
The trial by M&S demonstrates a promising step towards sustainable farming, enhancing crop yield while reducing carbon emissions.
