M&S is pioneering autonomous farming with drones and robot tractors, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance crop quality.
- The UK retail giant is the first to test this innovative method on parsnip production, with expectations for improved yield and ecological benefits.
- Partnership with Huntapac has enabled M&S to plant initial trials of parsnips in Yorkshire, involving cutting-edge agricultural robotics.
- Two types of drones monitor and maintain crop health, while robots handle tasks like bed forming, weeding, and planting.
- This initiative is the first under M&S’s sustainability-driven Plan A accelerator fund, highlighting innovative steps towards net zero.
M&S has embarked on an ambitious initiative to reduce carbon emissions by incorporating advanced technologies in agriculture. By deploying drones and robot tractors, the company seeks to significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of its parsnip crops. This trial marks the first instance of such technology being utilised by a UK retailer, setting a precedent for future agricultural practices.
The collaborative effort with Huntapac, a prominent supplier of root vegetables, began in March in Yorkshire. This strategic partnership has enabled M&S to plant the first round of parsnips using autonomous farming methods. The robots are tasked with essential agricultural functions such as bed forming, weeding, and planting, underscoring a shift towards more innovative farming practices.
In addition to robots, two types of drones are employed to maintain and monitor crop health. These drones provide critical data that helps in ensuring optimal growing conditions for the plants. This dual approach not only aids in reducing the reliance on conventional farming methods but also significantly lowers carbon emissions by using less diesel than traditional tractors.
The initiative is funded by M&S’s Plan A accelerator fund, launched earlier in the year as part of the company’s commitment to sustainability. This programme is designed to expedite M&S’s journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. By supporting projects that bring together new technologies, this fund aims to foster innovation within the agricultural sector.
Andrew Clappen, M&S Food’s technical director, emphasised agriculture’s substantial role in carbon emissions. He noted that trialling low-impact farming techniques is pivotal in advancing the company’s Plan A roadmap. Clappen remarked, “This project has helped deliver more parsnips at M&S quality, a carbon reduction, and brings together new technologies which if adopted more widely would create more highly skilled jobs and attract new talent into the sector.”
By integrating drones and robot tractors, M&S is making significant strides in sustainable agriculture, paving the way for innovative solutions in the industry.
