13 Nov 2024
by Oli Hill

AIC launches its agri-supply "Sustainability Action Plan" for a resilient UK agriculture and food system

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  • AIC is committed to leading UK agriculture towards a more sustainable future
  • Recommendations demonstrate greater resilience and improved operational efficiency
  • Inspiring businesses in an industry where sustainability is paramount
  • Clear guidance and resources tailored to the £17.8bn agri-supply industry

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has launched a new strategic resource offering invaluable guidance for UK agri-supply businesses, helping them to successfully navigate the sustainability landscape and promote greater efficiency.

Unveiled at the AIC Conference today (13 November), "Agri-supply: An action plan for sustainable efficiency" is a comprehensive blueprint dedicated to delivering a resilient UK agriculture and food system.

The Action Plan provides insight and inspiration for companies operating in the major agri-supply sectors – Animal Feed, Combinable Crops, Crop Protection and Agronomy, Fertiliser, and Seed – helping them to enhance their sustainability credentials while becoming more efficient and fit for the future.

Offering an in-depth insight into the pivotal role that the agri-supply industry plays, its content makes for essential reading by everyone involved in the agriculture and food system.

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Clear plan

The report covers the fundamental areas for sustainable agriculture and food production, including economic resilience, climate impacts, biodiversity, and sustainable communities.

It includes a summary of actions for the agri-supply industry, clearly outlining where businesses can make a start and take further actions to build resilience.

By implementing the recommendations in the Action Plan, businesses can make tangible progress towards reducing their environmental impact, aligning with government policies, improving market access and opening up wider investment opportunities.

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AIC's Chief Executive, Robert Sheasby, said: "On behalf of the AIC team, I am delighted to share with the industry our Action Plan for delivering a resilient UK agriculture and food system.

"This Action Plan underscores AIC's commitment to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. It is a call to action, empowering our Members to excel in a marketplace where sustainability is no longer optional, but essential.

"Together, we will keep up the drive for positive change, ensuring that our industry – which forms the bedrock of our food system – remains resilient, responsible, and ready for whatever the future brings."

Leading food systems expert Professor Tim Benton of Chatham House said: “'Sustainability' and 'resilience' are no longer buzz words but are increasingly measures of business’ ability to thrive in the decades ahead.

"AIC's 'Sustainability Action Plan' is therefore an important guide to address the existential challenge ahead."

The Sustainability Action Plan is now available for download on the AIC website, offering in-depth insights and practical strategies for businesses aiming to integrate sustainable practices into their everyday operations.

Download the Sustainability Action Plan

ENDS


About AIC

As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.

Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feedfertiliserseedcrop protection productstrusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.

Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.

AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.

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www.agindustries.org.uk

*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.

Press Contact

Oli Hill, Head of Communications, AIC 
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]

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Author

Oli Hill

Oli Hill

Head of Communications, AIC

As Head of Communications, Oli creates and oversees the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media. A qualified multimedia journalist, he previously spent six years working at Farmers Weekly magazine as a Senior Reporter on the arable team, and latterly as Community Editor. More recently he was Communications Manager at Red Tractor.