A new farmer-led cooperative in North Lincolnshire has received significant backing.
The Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group aims to enhance sustainability and trading opportunities.
Formation and Objectives of the Group
The Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) was recently formed with the help of local farmers Andrew Jackson and William Sowerby. They seek to create opportunities for farmers within the region.
The primary aim is to foster biodiversity, enhance water quality, and achieve net carbon farming by 2040. The group also seeks to generate trading opportunities in the natural capital sector.
Support and Sponsorship
Wilkin Chapman, the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, has lent its support to the Northern Lincolnshire EFG. This follows the earlier backing by agricultural machinery supplier Peacock & Binnington.
According to Catherine Harris, head of the agriculture sector at Wilkin Chapman, the collaboration aims to leverage farmers’ collective strength to promote both environmental sustainability and financial success.
Historical Context and Cooperative Formation
The first Environmental Farmers Group was established in May 2022 in the Avon area. Building on local Farmer Clusters, it aimed to deliver environmental goods and services.
Convened by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the group grew in numbers over two years before forming a cooperative.
Natural Capital Sector and Farming
The EFG acts as a guide for farmers and landowners in industries focusing on natural assets like soil, water, plants, and animals (the ‘natural capital sector’).
The goal is to maximise environmental results and financial returns through cooperation and scale.
Farmers get access to trading opportunities, guidance, and benefit from group buying power in natural capital markets.
Regional Significance and Development
Northern Lincolnshire is the first EFG group established outside the South of England. Early demand in the area led to the formation of a steering group in July 2023.
William Sowerby mentions that over 40 farmers have expressed interest. Proximity to the Humber bank presents opportunities for projects in cleaner water, biodiversity, and carbon mitigation.
The Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group is off to a strong start with its mission for environmental and financial success.
With solid backing and growing interest, the group looks set to make positive changes in the region.