A CALL FOR SCOTTISH ARABLE FARMERS TO HELP MEET RISING DEMAND FOR BRITISH GROWN PROTEIN CROPS

SCOTLAND’S LARGEST POULTRY PRODUCER CALLS FOR SCOTTISH ARABLE FARMERS TO HELP MEET RISING DEMAND FOR BRITISH GROWN PROTEIN CROPS AND ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS

2 Sisters Food Group is calling on Scottish arable farmers to help meet rising demand for rapeseed, beans and peas, as the business accelerates a major shift away from imported soy as part of its journey to Net Zero by 2035. 

The drive towards diversification follows a significant sustainability announcement by the UK food manufacturer in April 2026, which set out plans to reduce the carbon footprint of poultry feed by replacing imported  Soyameal with  British-grown protein crops. The move represents a major investment in UK agriculture and a long-term opportunity for arable growers. 

As part of the transition, 2 Sisters has already redeveloped its poultry feed to replace nearly a quarter (23%) of imported Soyameal with British-grown oilseed rape,  beans and peas, purchasing around 150,000 tonnes a year from UK farmers and injecting £50 million annually into the agricultural economy. 

Scotland is expected to play a key role as demand increases further. By the end of 2027, 2 Sisters will completely remove Soyameal from the diet of chickens processed at its Coupar Angus facility, replacing it with British-grown  peas, seeds and beans. 

The company is now inviting Scottish arable farmers and landowners to explore opportunities to expand or introduce production of rapeseed and beans to help support this transition. 

Kate Stein, Group Director of Quality, Sustainability and Agriculture at 2 Sisters Food Group, said: “This is a fundamental shift in how we source protein for animal feed. Reducing reliance on imported soy is critical for cutting carbon emissions, strengthening food security and building a more resilient UK supply chain. 

“That creates a clear and growing role for Scottish arable farmers. Rapeseed and beans are central to our plans, and we are keen to work with growers who want to be part of that long-term  transition.” 

The business is particularly interested in engaging with: 

• Existing arable farmers who can increase rapeseed, beans or peas acreage 

• Growers considering introducing beans and peas into their rotations 

• Landowners with suitable land interested in  longer-term cropping or supply arrangements 

By increasing the use of  British-grown protein crops, 2 Sisters estimates a reduction of more than 20% in Scope 3 emissions, while also improving soil health, reducing artificial fertiliser use and supporting pollinators across tens of thousands of hectares of UK farmland. 

Kate Stein added: 

“This isn’t about short-term sourcing. We want to build stable, long-term relationships with British growers that give confidence to invest, plan rotations and support more sustainable farming systems.

“We have seen how geo-politics can disrupt food supply. By increasing our use of UK-grown protein crops such as rapeseed and beans, we can reduce supply chain risk, cut carbon emissions and create lasting value for farming communities across Scotland. This is a great opportunity and could be a real win-win for Scotland and Scottish farmers.” 

Growers interested in exploring opportunities are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how they can support this growing supply requirement. 

ENDS