Sustainability Action Plan: Sustainable Communities in focus
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has published “Agri-supply: An Action Plan for Sustainable Efficiency”, a pivotal resource designed to support UK agri-supply businesses in navigating the complexities of sustainability.
Launched at the AIC Conference on 13 November 2024, this comprehensive blueprint offers essential guidance for businesses across the key agri-supply sectors of Animal Feed, Combinable Crops, Crop Protection and Agronomy, Fertiliser, and Seed.
AIC’s Action Plan provides a clear framework for enhancing sustainability credentials while driving operational efficiency, fostering resilience, and contributing to a robust agriculture and food system in the UK.
Covering critical topics such as economic resilience, climate impacts, biodiversity, and sustainable communities, it delivers actionable insights and recommendations that align with government policies and market expectations.
Each week, AIC is exploring a chapter of the Sustainability Action Plan - this week we focus on “Sustainable Communities”. Read the full chapter of AIC's Sustainability Action Plan on this area from page 50.
Visit the Sustainability webpage for more information.
What does it mean?
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) is the enabling legislation covering health and safety for businesses in the UK. This is supplemented by various additional regulations and approved codes of practice covering the full range of activities in the workplace.
The Human Rights Act (1998) encompasses fairness, respect, equality, and dignity. This is complemented by the Modern Slavery Act (2015) which lays out in law the right to justice, dignity, and respect for all individuals.
Within a business, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) represents a set of interconnected values which encompass the fair treatment of all people while taking into consideration an individual’s unique circumstances.
How does it benefit businesses?
A strong health and safety focus brings several benefits to business:
- Improving productivity (according to research by the London School of Economics).
- Increasing attractiveness to investors, shareholders, and customers.
- Being employers of choice.
- Research by the organisation ‘Workplace’ shows that 71% of professionals would consider a pay cut to work in a business that shares their values.
- Building trust through positive reputational and brand benefits.
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015 applies globally to eligible UK businesses and their supply chains. As well as publishing an annual action statement, businesses can demonstrate their values and enhance their reputation by maintaining security of supply and caring about the wellbeing of workers throughout the supply chain.
- Evidence shows that organisations that embrace DEI are better equipped to respond to challenges, and can deliver significant business advantages.
- Access a wider talent pool bringing fresh perspectives, skills, and experiences.
- Deliver better financial performance as inclusive environments foster collaboration, leading to innovation and better decision-making.
- Employees are more engaged and productive by feeling valued, supported, and respected.
- Higher employee retention as employees who feel included are less likely to leave the business.
Learn more
AIC’s Action Plan for Sustainable Efficiency is your guide to meaningful progress, offering practical actions to reduce environmental impact, support market access, and secure long-term resilience.
All agri-supply businesses are encouraged to explore the Action Plan and engage with AIC for further support. For queries and further information, contact AIC’s Head of Sustainability Vicky Robinson ([email protected]) or Policy Manager Andrew Pearson ([email protected]).
Go to the Sustainability webpage to find out more, or click below.
Authors
Vicky Robinson
Vicky Robinson is Head of Sustainability and is responsible for leading and co-ordinating AIC's work on sustainability.
