Crisp Malt’s Field Forward initiative has produced its first results — and they are a cause for optimism, says the company.
New data from Field Forward reveals strong uptake of sustainable farming practices across its East Anglian grower network. There is widespread focus on soil health, biodiversity, and input optimisation.
Thirty-nine farmers from Crisp’s Grower Group completed the survey, providing one of the most detailed snapshots to date of environmental practice in the UK malting barley supply chain. Their farms cover more than 48,000 hectares.
Among the findings:
- 87% of participating growers already grow overwinter cover crops;
- 85% use organic manures;
- 75% establish pollen and nectar mixes;
- 44% report no insecticide use at all; and
- Livestock integration is also playing a role: 67% of growers use grazing to manage cover crops, improving soil health through natural nutrient input.
“It’s exciting to see how much our growers are already doing to support soil health and encourage biodiversity,” said Ellie Wood, sustainability manager at Crisp Malt parent Richardson. “The insights from Field Forward will help take that work to the next level.”
