REGENERATIVE FARMING IN IRELAND
THE FUTURE OF GUINNESS IS TAKING ROOT
As brewers and innovators, Guinness is committed to sustainability and preserving the natural resources on which we all depend. We are only 264 years into our 9,000-year lease at St James’s Gate and we will never settle in pursuit of a better, more sustainable future for all. We understand our responsibility to play our part in regenerating the productive landscapes and communities on which we depend. That’s why, we’re undertaking the most ambitious regenerative farming project in Ireland, an approach that works in harmony with the natural environment.
WE'RE TURNING FARMING ON ITS HEAD
A three-year pilot to achieve key outcomes.
Working with Irish farmers, Guiness is defining regenerative farming practices tailored to the local and specific needs of Irish barley production. Our team includes respected suppliers with whom we are collaborating to shape the design of this pilot and implement practices.
The surging power of farming communities
We are collaborating with Irish farmers to define the most effective regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and farmer livelihoods. Across 44 farms that are participating in the pilot, representing 1,400 acres in six counties, including Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford, we have tripled the cover crop seed that has been planted to 21 tonnes.
Using the power of nature
Nature-based farming solutions help to improve soil quality, increase farm biodiversity, optimise inputs, and make crops more resilient. One year on since we began this global pilot, baselining data from the 44 participating farms reveals that farmers are producing barley with excellent yield and quality, as well as low carbon footprint. What's more, there is tremendous potential to further reduce emissions by at least 30% on the pilot.
Our commitment
The ambition is for the barley grown to be used to brew beautiful tasting Guinness. Developing regenerative agriculture pilot programmes in key sourcing landscapes form part of Diageo’s wider 10-year ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, and our commitment to a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.
Our 5 main goals
The great thing about regenerative agriculture is the simplicity of the approach. It works in harmony with nature, and leads to much better outcomes, such as the quality of soil on our farm, without compromising on the total yield over the long term.”
- Walter Furlong Jnr
Regenerative Farmer in Ireland
NEWS & PROGRESS
OUR PROGRESS
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