Founding members
of the UK Soy Manifesto
100%
of the palm oil used in our own-brand products is certified sustainable
Over 5m
native trees planted across the UK through our partnership with The Woodland Trust
Sainsbury’s and the Woodland Trust are on a mission to demonstrate that forestry and farming are mutually beneficial, with trees playing a vital role in strengthening food security and farm productivity in the face of climate change.
With over 70% of UK land farmed, trees must be part of productive landscapes. Agroforestry delivers supply chain resilience through environmental and productivity benefits such as:
Improved water management, reduced flood risk, healthier soils, and enhanced biodiversity.
Creating shelter and shade to improve animal welfare, protecting crops from extreme hot and cold temperatures and creating more habitats for pollinators and animals to help control pests.
More stable yields, reduced climate‑related production shocks, lower input reliance and landscape‑scale environmental gains.
“We know that integrating trees on farms not only delivers multiple benefits for the farming business, it also supports habitat restoration, increases biodiversity and farm resilience. Championing the planting of trees and protection of woodland habitat on farms for more Sainsbury’s farmers provides a massive opportunity to boost sustainable food production while protecting the natural environment.” - Woodland Trust Chief Executive, Darren Moorcroft
Tailored support for farmers is a pivotal part of the collaboration between Sainsbury’s and the Woodland Trust, ensuring farmers receive dedicated adviser support and an agroforestry plan designed to suit each farm. Woodland Trust advisers offer access to bespoke funding and grant‑agnostic advice, which helps the farmer access the most appropriate funding source for their agroforestry aspirations.
The agroforestry partnership supports whole‑farm tree planning, and a programme of events including training and practical guidance to help farmers learn more about agroforestry and the benefits of trees for their farm business.
Henry Andrews – Leworthy Manor Farm
Over the past four years the Woodland Trust and Sainsbury’s have funded advice and tree-planting support at Henry’s beef farm in the South-West.
During an interview Henry shared why he’s using agroforestry as a tool for resilience on his farm.
“Trees can work well with a productive farm and that’s why I wanted [agroforestry] here. I didn’t want to sacrifice productivity for nature – it’s a symbiotic relationship where the farm has to pay its way but also nature has to thrive.”
“Advisers came out and helped us secure funding for the farm, and drew up planting plans and programmes. The Woodland Trust have been absolutely invaluable and a great support through our silvopasture journey.”
“Withheavy rain and wind plus high heat at record levels, all of which makes farming so difficult, I think agroforestry in the UK will be key to the survival of livestock through to arable farming.”
“The Woodland Trust has been absolutely crucial in offering advice, planting, ideas, and also, working with people like Sainsbury’s.”
“My ambitions for agroforestry are to create a resilient business”
David Brass - The Lakes Eggs Company
Tree planting has driven tangible business benefits for this Sainsbury’s farmer.
At least 20% of all hen ranging areas are tree-planted, with the same required of suppliers.
Shelter provided by trees reduces stress, as chickens are naturally woodland creatures, leading to higher shell quality.
Tree planting drives up the production of Grade A eggs by 2%.
Grade A eggs are more valuable, meaning the cost of planting – £2,000 per hectare – is recouped in just six months.
David Brass, Lakes Free Range Egg
Company chief executive:
“Why should tree planting be a priority? Because if you have got 64,000 birds, it is going to make you £20,000 a year more money. That’s harsh, but not everyone is altruistic. All of a sudden it is the sensible thing to do.”
Abi Reader – Goldsland Farm, Wales
Goldsland Farm is a 200-acre dairy farm in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Abi first planted agroforestry in 2021 as a short rotation agroforestry system combining trees and arable with a view to feeding livestock.
“Great to be involved in developing on-farm design solutions to improve shade shelter and water retention for our cows. I'm increasingly aware of the pressure weather extremes are putting on our dairy herd - from heat and drought to periods of flooding - and the need to adapt our systems accordingly. A huge thank you to the Woodland Trust for their support in helping us develop a practical approach to building resilience into the farm.”
A new dairy agroforestry system is to be planted in winter 2026 which has been developed over the last year by the Woodland Trust alongside expert advisers . The primary objective of this new agroforestry system alongside shade and shelter for livestock is to increase farm operational resilience, reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
The system will also enhance water quality and restore biodiversity. The new award-winning agroforestry design builds on years of learnings around natural flood management of where water moves during extreme rainfall - and how those peak flows can be intercepted strategically across farmland. *link to infographic on WT website*
