Environment Baselining Pilot

The Environmental Baselining Pilot promises to empower farmers with unique data and insight that will drive change, forging a fairer and more resilient path towards becoming net zero by 2050.   

By taking part in this industry-first pilot, farmers will gain a full understanding of their farm’s environmental performance and obtain the knowledge and confidence to make changes to safeguard their future.

This AHDB-driven initiative is more than a pilot, it is a movement to redefine:

• How farmers are recognised for delivering both food and environmental goods
• The environmental impact of GB agriculture
• The scale and potential of natural carbon stocks and sequestration
• The industry’s progress towards net zero

It is not just about measuring carbon or soils, it is a transition to informed action and debate about British agriculture.

We are supporting the industry to unify and take action, based on accurate on-farm data and evidence, to safeguard the future of UK agriculture with fair recognition and reward.

AHDB's commitment

• Fully funded carbon audits, landscape carbon measurement, run-off risk maps and soil carbon and nutrient analysis
• Tailored action plan supported by a pre-approved advisor
• Honest and secure data storage and anonymised data analysis

Pilot farm's commitment:

• Committed to the full five years of the project
• Access for approved subcontractors to collect data, starting October 2024
• Create and implement an action plan to drive improvements
• Attend pilot meetings and events

The aim of environment baselining is to establish the amount of net carbon on a range of different farms and land uses, taking account of carbon stored in soil, hedges and trees, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sequestration.

It provides a starting point for tracking changes in GHG emissions and carbon sequestration over time and identifying where there are opportunities to make improvements. 

First measurements: LiDAR

First measurements start in December 2024 and go on through to March 2025, with specialists Bluesky carrying out LiDAR scanning via plane, or drone in more remote areas, to estimate above-ground carbon stocks. 

Aerial LiDAR scanning provides detailed and accurate terrain data by measuring the height of both the terrain and any above-ground features such as hedges and trees. It is unparalleled in accuracy and resolution to any other airborne methods.

Second measurements: Soil carbon levels and analysis

Details to follow.

Third measurement: Carbon audit

Details to follow.

Hear more about the pilot from AHDB's CEO, Graham Wilkinson, and Environment Director, Chris Gooderham.

Acceptance on to the pilot

As an evidence-based organisation, we ensured that all 509 expressions of interest for the Environment Baselining Pilot were subjected to the same three-stage selection process to bring absolute impartiality and integrity to the pilot.

The final 170 represent:

• A range of sectors across Great Britain, to provide an appropriate spread of sectors in each country and region
• A range of production systems within each sector 
• A range of land management uses and practices, including the use of animal manure on arable land
• A number of mixed farms to explore how mixed farming systems impact carbon stocks and other measurements
• A diverse range of soil types to indicate carbon stock levels under different conditions
• The farm owner’s commitment to engage with AHDB and partners for the duration of the five-year project

If you have any questions, email: environment@ahdb.org.uk