HSBC UK launches sustainability farming pathway for businesses

HSBC UK has launched the HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway with sustainable farming charity LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) its first partner on the scheme.

Farming businesses with the LEAF Marque certification, or those that complete a LEAF Sustainable Farming Review, will be eligible for discounted loan arrangement fees on term lending amounts from £25,001. Lending in scope includes flexible business loans, commercial mortgages and property development loans.

Grace O’Dwyer, Interim Head of Agricultural Banking at HSBC UK said, “We are delighted to launch the HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway to help farming businesses transition to more sustainable techniques.

“HSBC UK is a significant lender to farms in the UK and our research shows around two-thirds (70%) of farms are currently making commitments to transition to sustainable practices. By working with LEAF and future partners, we have the opportunity to directly support farmers who want to make sustainable choices.

HSBC UK also found that more than two-thirds (70%) of UK farms are engaged in agri-environment schemes, as defined and recognised by DEFRA, to support nature and biodiversity enhancements.

Regular sustainable practices are already taking place with around a third (38%) of farmers regularly soil testing fields to inform NPK applications while 28 per cent of dairy clients have undertaken a carbon audit.

To become more sustainable, farmers identified the areas they want to invest in as renewables (54%), slurry storage (22%) and energy efficiency (20%).

Clare Mike, LEAF’s Director Technical & Business Development said, “LEAF Marque farmers are increasingly focused on incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. They’re reviewing how to best balance soil sensitivity, enhance landscape and nature habitats, protect water, invest in renewables and boost biodiversity.

“Sus­tain­abil­i­ty is high on the agen­da for the UK’s agri sec­tor, and the new HSBC Sus­tain­able Farm­ing Path­way can help many busi­ness­es in their tran­si­tion jour­ney.”

Phillip Wynn OBE, Chair of The Board of Trustees at LEAF, added, “As the first bank to offer discounted loan fees to farms certified to the LEAF Marque standard, HSBC UK is harnessing its role as a key lender in the UK agriculture sector to support environmental practices through our accredited management standard.”