2 Sisters Food urges Scottish farmers to increase rapeseed, bean and pea production to replace imported soybean meal

British food company 2 Sisters Food Group has called on Scottish farmers to increase production of rapeseed, field beans and peas to replace imported soybean meal in poultry diets. The initiative is part of the company’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and shift towards protein ingredients produced in the United Kingdom.

The company has already replaced around 23% of imported soybean meal with locally grown protein crops and purchases about 150 thsd tons of rapeseed, beans and peas from British farmers each year. This generates around GBP 50 mln in additional annual revenue for the UK agricultural sector.

The next stage of the programme will be the complete removal of soybean meal from poultry diets at the company’s Coupar Angus site by the end of 2027. It will be fully replaced with UK-grown protein crops, primarily rapeseed, field beans and peas.

As demand for these crops increases, the company is seeking new partners among farmers and landowners willing to expand protein crop acreage or include these crops in their rotations. 2 Sisters said it is interested in long-term cooperation that will allow growers to plan investment and production with greater confidence.

According to the company, increasing the use of British-grown protein crops could reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20%, while also improving soil health, lowering mineral fertiliser use and supporting biodiversity. 2 Sisters believes that developing a domestic protein supply base will also strengthen food security and reduce the country’s dependence on imported soy.

Tags: soybean meal, rapeseed, compound feed, pea