Guinness agriculture experiment means good things are taking root

Guinness is undertaking an ambitious regenerative agriculture pilot scheme in Ireland. Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that works in harmony with the natural environment to put back more than it takes out.

This extensive, three-year farm-based programme intends to highlight opportunities for reducing the carbon emissions of barley production. The key outcomes are expected to include: improvements in soil health and its carbon sequestration potential; enhanced biodiversity; reduction in synthetic fertiliser use; enhanced water quality; and improved farmer livelihoods. The ambition is for the barley grown to be used to brew Guinness.

In the first phase, in 2022, the programme will begin with at least 40 farms across spring and winter barley sowing. As the pilot develops, many more farmers will be engaged to take part.

A network of partners has been assembled to shape the design of this pilot, including highly respected technical partners and local Irish agronomists. Guinness will work in collaboration with Irish farmers and suppliers including, Boortmalt, Glanbia and Comex McKinnon, to understand the most effective regenerative practices, adapted to the local context and the specific needs of Irish barley production.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Guinness on this programme,” said Walter Furlong Junior, one of the farmers involved. “The great thing about regenerative agriculture is the simplicity of the approach. It’s not a complicated process – it works in harmony with nature whilst providing a commercial benefit for farmers. We already use regenerative agricultural practices and have seen a marked improvement in the quality of the soil on our farm. It is a highly effective approach that leads to much better outcomes”.

This programme forms part of Diageo’s wider 10-year sustainability action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, and the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its direct operations and a 50 per cent reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2030.

“We will openly share the results from the pilot programme so that other farms can learn and adopt practices that have demonstrated the highest potential impact from an environmental and farm profitability standpoint,” said John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe. “Like the Irish farming community, we are ‘all in’ for the long haul – for our people, products, partners and planet. At St. James’s Gate, we are only 263 years into our 9,000 year lease and we will never settle in pursuit of a more sustainable future.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, commented, “On behalf of the Government, I welcome the pilot announced today by Guinness. This pilot shows the importance of sectors working together to reduce emissions. It is welcome that one of Ireland’s most iconic brands is taking a strong leadership position on farming and the environment, as we all work towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting our ambitious but necessary climate change targets.”