2 Sisters Food Group is seeking Scottish arable farmers and landowners to help increase supplies of British-grown protein crops as it accelerates plans to reduce its reliance on imported soyameal in poultry feed.

The poultry producer said demand is rising for oilseed rape, beans and peas as part of a wider feed reformulation programme linked to its target to reach net zero by 2035.

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The move follows a sustainability announcement made by the business in April 2026, when it set out plans to lower the carbon footprint of poultry production by replacing imported soyameal with UK-grown protein crops.

2 Sisters said it has already reformulated poultry diets to replace almost a quarter, 23%, of imported soyameal with British-grown oilseed rape, beans and peas. The company is currently buying around 150,000 tonnes of these crops a year from UK farmers, representing about £50m in annual spend within the agricultural economy.

By the end of 2027, 2 Sisters plans to remove soyameal completely from the diets of chickens processed at its Coupar Angus site, replacing it with British-grown peas, oilseed rape and beans.

Growers wanted

The business is now inviting Scottish growers to consider expanding existing acreage or introducing these crops into rotations to support the supply requirement.

Kate Stein, group director of quality, sustainability and agriculture at 2 Sisters Food Group, said the move represented “a fundamental shift” in how the business sources protein for poultry feed.

“Reducing reliance on imported soy is critical for cutting carbon emissions, strengthening food security and building a more resilient UK supply chain,” she said.

“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.”

Longer-term arrangements

The company said it is particularly interested in speaking to existing arable farmers able to increase oilseed rape, bean or pea acreage; growers considering adding pulses to their rotations; and landowners with suitable land who may be open to longer-term cropping or supply arrangements.

According to 2 Sisters, increasing the use of British-grown protein crops could cut more than 20% from its Scope 3 emissions, while also supporting soil health, reducing reliance on artificial fertiliser and benefiting pollinators across UK farmland.

Ms Stein said the company wanted to establish long-term relationships with growers rather than rely on 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,” she said.

“We have seen how geopolitics 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.”

Growers interested in supplying British-grown protein crops to 2 Sisters are being encouraged to contact the company to discuss future opportunities.