The Tacons is a farm shop and fresh produce supplier based in Rollesby, Norfolk. We recognise that all aspects of our business activity have an environmental impact and we take action wherever reasonably possible to reduce our impacts whilst maintaining a sustainable business operation.
The main environmental impacts that we have recognised are:
Energy consumption of farm shop
Water consumption for crop growth
Distribution of produce
Waste produce, packaging and materials
Sourcing
Efforts that we have made to minimise these impacts include:
Energy consumption of farm shop
• We now have four batches solar panels to contribute towards our energy demand, the fourth batch being added in early 2023.
• We have replaced our refrigeration unit with a purpose built walk-in chiller.
• We have replaced the open fronted chiller with an enclosed unit.
Water consumption for crop growth
• We use trickle irrigation to grow seedlings which uses around 1/3 of the water required by conventional irrigation methods
• We have sunk a borehole to contribute towards our water demand, minimising the need for imported water
Distribution of produce
• We only supply produce to local companies in Norfolk, minimising food miles
• We manage demand so to deliver only twice a week.
• We invite customers to pick their own produce through regular event days, cutting out the middle man
Waste produce, packaging and materials
• Our waste produce is used as livestock feed or returned to the fields
• Our strawberry punnets are now biodegradable.
• We actively encourage our customers and suppliers to re-use our packaging and store our own used packaging in a safe, dry environment to maximise re-use potential
• All of our non-reusable paper and plastic waste is recycled at local recycling centres or by doorstep collection
• We use hard-wearing agricultural fleeces to protect our produce which have a 10-year lifespan, instead of using annual disposable fleeces
Sourcing
• We only stock local produce in our farm shop, minimising food miles
• Our seeds are purchased from a local supplier
• We use a local print firm and packaging supplier
We are continually looking for ways to minimise our environmental impacts.
Since our last Policy review in 2022 we have:
- Installed a fourth set of PV panels
• Replaced all ceiling lights on the farm with LED units. - Replaced the old, open fronted, display chiller with a modern closed front version.
Our current plans for 2025 include:
- Investing battery storage
- Measuring our carbon footprint
- Further reduce artificial fertilizer
• Monitor the developing market for electric delivery vehicles
• Establish wildflower strips under a new SFI agreement.
• Drill autumn greening to increase green cover.
We will review this policy annually or if significant changes occur
Signed: Emma and Charlie Tacon
Date: November 2024
