Wyke Farms produces world’s first carbon-neutral cheddar
Somerset-based Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, has created the world’s first carbon-neutral branded cheddar.
The cheese was made using 100% green energy, with electricity and gas sourced from Wyke Farms’ own self-generated solar power and from biogas generated from farm and dairy waste. The anaerobic digester saves 20 million kilos of CO2 every year and provides a rich natural fertiliser.
Wyke Farms’ prize-winning ‘Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar’ is named after Grandmother Ivy, who, 100 years ago, was the first person to write down her recipe, which is now kept locked in a safe on the farm.
Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar has been certified as carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. Wyke Farms said the status builds on its work in improving environmental performance across farming, production, green energy, and conservation.
“This has been a 12-year journey for us,” said Rich Clothier, managing director and third-generation family member at Wyke Farms (and Ivy Clothier’s grandson).
“We started our 100% green strategy in 2010 when we made a commitment to energy independence and generating all of our gas and electricity from renewables.
“Since then, we have invested in our knowledge base across this business and on-farm driving environmental improvement year on year. Ivy’s Reserve is a world-first and an industry shake-up. This will continue to be our focus in the years ahead as we push for more net positive improvements.”
The cheese was made using 100% green energy, with electricity and gas sourced from Wyke Farms’ own self-generated solar power and from biogas generated from farm and dairy waste. The anaerobic digester saves 20 million kilos of CO2 every year and provides a rich natural fertiliser.
Wyke Farms’ prize-winning ‘Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar’ is named after Grandmother Ivy, who, 100 years ago, was the first person to write down her recipe, which is now kept locked in a safe on the farm.
Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar has been certified as carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. Wyke Farms said the status builds on its work in improving environmental performance across farming, production, green energy, and conservation.
“This has been a 12-year journey for us,” said Rich Clothier, managing director and third-generation family member at Wyke Farms (and Ivy Clothier’s grandson).
“We started our 100% green strategy in 2010 when we made a commitment to energy independence and generating all of our gas and electricity from renewables.
“Since then, we have invested in our knowledge base across this business and on-farm driving environmental improvement year on year. Ivy’s Reserve is a world-first and an industry shake-up. This will continue to be our focus in the years ahead as we push for more net positive improvements.”
