2 Sisters Food Group to cut soybean use by 23% in deforestation-free soy and UK protein shift

UK – 2 Sisters Food Group, one of the United Kingdom’s largest poultry producers, has announced an expanded deforestation-free sourcing commitment alongside a shift toward British-grown protein in chicken feed, as part of its “NextGen” strategy targeting net zero emissions by 2035.

The company said it will extend premium payments to South American soybean meal suppliers to cover all land conversion, not just deforestation, in a move aimed at protecting ecosystems such as native grasslands and improving biodiversity outcomes beyond standard industry requirements.

Under the updated sourcing policy, 2 Sisters will procure soybean meal only from farms where no deforestation or land conversion has occurred for more than 18 years. 

This is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of its poultry feed linked to land-use change by around 70% from July 2026.

Shift to local protein reduces feed emissions

In parallel, the company is increasing its use of domestically sourced feed ingredients, replacing nearly a quarter (23%) of imported soybean meal with British-grown oilseed rape and beans. 

The move involves purchasing approximately 150,000 tonnes annually from UK farmers, injecting an estimated £50 million into the local agricultural economy.

The transition builds on long-term feed reformulation efforts, which the company said have already reduced the carbon footprint of its chickens by 15% over the past three decades compared to conventional soybean-based diets.

The latest changes are expected to cut emissions by nearly 670,000 tonnes, representing a reduction of more than 20% in Scope 3 emissions.

By the end of 2027, 2 Sisters plans to fully eliminate soybean meal from poultry diets at its Coupar Angus facility in Scotland, replacing it with locally sourced peas, seeds and beans.

“This is a transformation moment for British poultry,” said Kate Stein, Group Director of Quality, Sustainability and Agriculture. 

“By going beyond deforestation-free standards and backing British farmers, we’re making a meaningful commitment to both the environment and animal welfare, building a sustainable, resilient food system for the future as part of our NextGen Strategy.”

Linking feed, sustainability and welfare

The company noted that the feed changes are aligned with its broader animal welfare commitments. 

All chickens are produced under Red Tractor standards, with around 80% reared at lower stocking densities, and a growing proportion meeting Better Chicken Commitment requirements, including slower-growing breeds.

By combining low-carbon feed sourcing with higher welfare standards, 2 Sisters aims to scale sustainable poultry production while reducing environmental impact across its supply chain.

The announcement reflects a wider shift within the poultry sector, where feed, particularly soybean sourcing, remains a key driver of emissions, pushing producers to explore alternative proteins and more traceable supply chains.

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