Earth and Habitat (Commonwealth Union) _ Frontier Agriculture, a leading UK-based crop production company, has announced a strategic investment in CCm Technologies, a tech firm known for developing low-carbon fertilisers. This partnership aims to support UK farmers in reducing their carbon emissions through the adoption of innovative fertiliser solutions.
CCm Technologies’ unique product, CCm Growth, combines captured atmospheric carbon dioxide with recycled agricultural waste nutrients, such as livestock manure and digestates. This “organo-mineral fertiliser” includes essential elements like nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, while also incorporating organic matter and carbon to enhance soil health and sustainability.
Frontier Agriculture has secured exclusive distribution rights for CCm Growth across England, Scotland, and Wales. This investment will also fuel the expansion of CCm Technologies, including the development of new production plants and increased manufacturing capacity.
Andrew Flux, Frontier’s Group Commercial Strategy Director, highlighted the company’s role in promoting sustainable crop production. “Our expertise in sustainable crop production and grain marketing places us in a strong position to enrich the CCm proposition,” Flux stated. “By directly involving ourselves in the development of CCm’s technology, we can better support the supply chain in meeting reduced emissions targets and fostering sustainable food production systems.”
CCm Technologies’ CEO, Pawel Kisielewski, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “This partnership aligns us with the UK’s leading crop production advisory and grain marketing provider, accelerating our production plans,” Kisielewski said.
The deal builds on a successful three-year trial period where Frontier and CCm tested the fertiliser at demonstration sites, showing promising results in both 2022 and 2023. Despite environmental challenges in 2023, the product performed comparably to traditional fertilisers in terms of yield and protein content.
Edward Downing, Frontier’s National Crop Nutrition Technical Manager, noted the unique market position of CCm Growth, which has been verified by the Carbon Trust to have a negative carbon footprint. “This product literally takes carbon out of the atmosphere and adds it to the soil,” Downing explained.
Frontier plans to conduct further research with seven new trials and 16 on-site farm comparisons this year. These trials will assess the practical aspects of using the fertiliser, including its compatibility with existing farm equipment.
David Wilkinson, Head of Agricultural Procurement at PepsiCo Europe, welcomed the continued collaboration. “The next phase of work with CCm and the collaboration with farmers and consumer businesses is exciting. It underscores the importance of long-term partnerships in meeting net zero targets and environmental goals,” Wilkinson remarked.
This investment signifies a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in the UK, with CCm Growth poised to become a key component in reducing the carbon footprint of farming while maintaining productivity and soil health.Top of Form
