Carbon Emissions Scope 3

At ABP Food Group, the majority of our emissions sit beyond
our direct operations. Scope 3 emissions, primarily from onfarm
cattle production, represent the largest share of our overall
carbon footprint. As a result, delivering meaningful climate
action relies on close collaboration with our farming partners.

Our approach focuses on reducing emissions at source through practical, science-led improvements on farm. By working in partnership with farmers, customers, and industry programmes, we are reducing emissions intensity per kilogram of beef produced, while supporting productive, resilient, and economically sustainable farming systems.

We recognise that measuring and demonstrating progress across diverse farming systems is complex and evolving from both practical and scientific perspectives. However, we have established a number of key initiatives underpinned by independently collected primary data. These programmes are already providing valuable insights into on-farm emissions and are evidencing measurable reductions at farm level. This robust data foundation is critical in tracking progress over time, informing targeted interventions, and supporting the credible reduction of our Scope 3 emissions.


In parallel, we continue to play an active role in industry collaborations to strengthen the evidence base for whole-farm emissions. Through initiatives such as the AHDB baselining project, we are contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of carbon flows on farm, including the role
of natural carbon sequestration, improved accounting for inputs and rumen efficiency. This will be key in improving how emissions and removals are assessed, and in unlocking the full potential of farms to contribute to climate solutions.

OBJECTIVES

Deliver our SBTi-aligned Scope 3 emissions reduction targets by 2030

Support farmers to adopt lower carbon and nature-positive practices through collaboration and partnerships

Work with customers and supply chain partners to increase transparency, data quality and shared progress on emissions reduction

KEY Activity

GAMECHANGER: REDUCED CARBON BEEF

Gamechanger is a collaborative programme with Sainsbury’s designed to accelerate carbon reduction at scale across the Taste the Difference beef supply chain. It focuses on proven, real‑world actions, such as improved animal performance, better herd health and more efficient feed use that lower emissions intensity without compromising quality or welfare.

By measuring progress and rewarding continuous improvement, Gamechanger supports farmers to make changes that deliver lasting emissions reductions and stronger long‑term supply, resulting in a 25% lower carbon compared to industry average A life cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken by industry experts SAC consulting in June 2023, confirming our product had >25% less carbon than the industry average.

KEY Activity

PRISM: MEASURING, MANAGING AND IMPROVING

PRISM underpins our Scope 3 strategy by providing a consistent, whole-farm approach to carbon baselining and improvement. Through structured data capture and tailored improvement plans, PRISM helps farmers understand their footprint, prioritise the most impactful actions, and track changes over time. Partnering with Harper Adams to utilise their expertise in sustainable livestock production, alongside a suite of webinars on topics relating to on farm efficiency while optimising and protecting natural resources, we have seen increasing farmer engagement and a reduction in carbon footprint on the farms of the cohort of farmers involved in the project.


For our business, PRISM provides a robust, credible foundation for supporting Scope 3 emission reduction and demonstrating real, measurable progress across our supply base. We have ambition to scale the programme to our wider supply base and continuing our journey to reducing carbon emissions and promoting the progress made by farmers.

KEY Activity

Advantage Beef: Rewarding Sustainable Performance

Advantage Beef is designed to recognise and reward farmers who are leading the way on sustainability, animal performance and data transparency. The programme links commercial incentives to strong environmental outcomes, encouraging lower‑carbon beef production alongside high welfare and productivity.

Our farming families involved in the programme are supported on their sustainability journey by our farm liaison team who provide dedicated advice and support on soil health, animal breeding and nutrition needed to improve on farm efficiency and sustainability. 

By embedding sustainability into everyday farm decision‑making, Advantage Beef helps deliver emissions reductions that are practical, repeatable and scalable. Through the programme our beef is achieving a 13% lower carbon footprint verified through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) carbon footprint calculator. As part of Advantage, farmers are encouraged to sign up to Agnav which has been created for Irish farmers, to support climate action and sustainability improvements on Irish farms. AgNav provides farmers with secure, accurate and verifiable data that allows them to choose the most appropriate actions tailored to their farm.