The potatoes come from a first‑of‑its-kind low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire created in 2024 by Tesco and potato supplier Branston to test new production systems that could help farms move toward net‑zero. Around 500 tonnes of the Georgina variety are now rolling out in Tesco stores.
A real-world test of whether sustainability can scale
While numerous low‑carbon farming pilots exist across the UK, very few have reached the point of commercial retail availability. The concept farm aims to bridge that gap by demonstrating that climate‑smart practices can deliver retail-ready, price‑competitive products at scale.
The potatoes are sold in Tesco Finest Georgina baking and all‑rounder packs and shoppers can identify them via a QR code on pack.
Tesco’s Finest range carries a clear price premium compared to its standard own-brand products. However, Tesco says there is no price difference between the potatoes grown on the Tesco Low Carbon Concept Farm and the potatoes grown on other British farms.
For buyers increasingly wary of sustainability ‘add‑ons’ that raise cost, the approach will likely test whether climate‑beneficial farming can sit comfortably within mainstream value expectations.
More than 50% emissions reduction without compromising yield or quality
Branston and Tesco say the potatoes deliver over 50% lower carbon emissions compared to conventional production. That’s achieved through a combination of circular-economy fertilisers such as CCm, which lock in CO₂ during the manufacturing process; minimum cultivation approaches that reduce soil disturbance and fuel use; and switching machinery to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, with up to a 90% lower carbon footprint than conventional diesel.
Taste, texture and yield have all matched standard production, according to the project partners.
“It’s a huge milestone to have achieved a lower average carbon footprint in the production of this crop,” said Andy Blair, Branston’s field technical manager overseeing the concept farm. “The findings will support the wider industry as it edges towards national sustainability targets.”
Data for the supply chain and a path to scale
The farm is designed not just as a demonstration project, but as an evidence platform to de‑risk low‑carbon approaches for other growers.
“One of the aims of the farm is to test and learn from a variety of low‑carbon approaches, which in turn can de‑risk the process for other farms in our supply chain and further afield,” said Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries at Tesco.
Future work will explore cover crops to build soil structure and retain nutrients; adoption of R‑Leaf fertiliser, which breaks down atmospheric nitrous oxide; and biomethane-powered tractor trials.
Blair said the goal is full transferability: “The low carbon concept farm will act as a test bed to roll out the practices more widely. We’ve made huge progress, but to get to net zero we’re eager to work with others to see what technology and innovations can take us even further.”
A case study in how sustainable foods reach the mainstream?
For the agri‑food sector, the arrival of low‑carbon potatoes in major supermarket aisles represents proof point that retailer–supplier partnerships, focused on shared risk and shared investment, can push climate‑aligned production beyond the pilot phase.
With retailers under pressure to decarbonise supply chains and consumers increasingly looking for sustainable choices without added cost, Tesco and Branston’s model may offer a playbook for other categories.
As more crops from the concept farm come into rotation, Tesco says it intends to broaden the range of low‑carbon foods available in store.
Time will tell whether sustainability can become a default, not a premium feature.
