---
title: "Roadmap to a peat-free future for British fresh produce"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-96c3bd85-38e4-46f0-bab3-e78cc24450bb"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-96c3bd85-38e4-46f0-bab3-e78cc24450bb"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-96c3bd85-38e4-46f0-bab3-e78cc24450bb.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-96c3bd85-38e4-46f0-bab3-e78cc24450bb.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS"
published: "2024-11-01"
---

# Roadmap to a peat-free future for British fresh produce

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-96c3bd85-38e4-46f0-bab3-e78cc24450bb

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## Summary

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has awarded a contract to C Donkin Ltd to develop a roadmap for transitioning to a peat-free future for British fresh produce. This project, classified under environmental services, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating peat use in horticulture. The procurement process, completed through a direct procurement method, started on 1st November 2024 and will end on 14th March 2025. The total contract value is £25,000. Key stakeholders include the British Leafy Salads Association, Plant Propagators Ltd, British Herbs, Mushroom Growers Association, and Brassica Growers Association. The scope covers multiple locations, including the UK, British Overseas Territories, the Channel Islands, Europe, and globally. The tender period ended on 14th October 2024.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in environmental services and fresh produce sectors, particularly those involved in horticulture and sustainability initiatives. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are well-suited to compete for similar tenders, given the project's focus on innovative and practical solutions for reducing peat use. By participating, businesses can contribute to an important environmental cause while expanding their reach within the agricultural industry and forming valuable partnerships with key British fresh produce associations.

## Notice

Background Greenhouse gas emissions from peat extracted for horticultural use in 2020 were 0.049 MtCO2e for England and 0.36 MtCO2e for the UK. However, over 60% of the peat used is imported. Emissions from imported peat apply to the country of origin, so the overall greenhouse gas footprint is larger. The government's net zero pathway includes measures to end use of peat in horticulture to end these emissions. Around 240,000 m3 of peat are used in food production in the UK per annum, mainly by the fresh produce sectors covered by this project. This represents 51% of the professional sector use of peat or 25% of the total peat use in horticulture. Therefore, developing a roadmap to peat-free for these sectors is key stage in the transition to peat-free horticulture and reducing the harm to peat habitats in England. This project has been developed by the proposed supplier and the British produce associations and they are seeking a contribution from Defra to support delivery. Aims and objectives 1. To develop a methodology for working with stakeholders to develop a roadmap to transition to peat-free growing media. 2. To develop roadmaps to transition at least 5 British fresh produce sectors/associations to peat-free growing media. a. British Leafy Salads Association (BLSA) b. Plant Propagators Ltd (PPL) c. British Herbs d. Mushroom Growers Association e. Brassica Growers Association (BGA)

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/553080ed-ea06-486f-a797-f90abbb2b640 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Single tender action (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 1 Nov 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 14 Oct 2024 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 1 Nov 2024 |
| Contract period | 1 Nov 2024 - 14 Mar 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £25,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £25,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 4DF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | C DONKIN |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

### Codes

- 90700000 - Environmental services

## Release History

- 1 Nov 2024 at 14:29 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/553080ed-ea06-486f-a797-f90abbb2b640

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/553080ed-ea06-486f-a797-f90abbb2b640
  1st November 2024 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/00a94c78-47d3-4c5c-8db1-72f7f08b4d5a
  Contract C26937 - Roadmap to a Peat-Free future for British Fresh Produce_Redacted

## Provenance

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