The Science
Exchange has been developed by a team of industry experts, scientists and farmers resulting in a full methodology across 6 key indicators to measure a whole farms impact on the environment.
How we approach our science
Measuring environmental outcomes is complicated. To ensure the credibility and constant improvement of how we measure sustainability in Exchange, we always:
Make sure our measurement methodology is open to critique
Commission a leading scientist to review our methodology each year
Work with farmers, scientists and industry to ensure the metrics work for everyone
Peer review the methodology by an independent scientific advisory panel
Unlike other providers who might just use remote sensing to assess your farm, Exchange validates this with on farm surveys and field sampling. Combining the best of both worlds.
The metrics
You can see here the full list of metrics that we cover on every farm that goes through the service. If accessing Exchange for free via 'Exchange Explore' then some metrics may not be included.
Soil Health | Biodiversity | Water | Animal Welfare | Social | Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landcover | |||||
pH | Biodiversity practices | Nitrogen balance | Welfare outcomes | Land access | Sequestration in soils |
Earthworm count | Woodland connectivity | Nitrate and phosphate levels | Antibiotic usage | Sequestration in vegetation | |
Bulk density | Hedgerows | Surface runoff avoidance | Emissions | ||
VESS | Arable/Grassland plants | Water usage | |||
Soil organic matter | Birds |
Soil Health | Biodiversity | Water | Animal Welfare | Social | Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Landcover | |||||
pH | Biodiversity practices | Nitrogen balance | Welfare outcomes | Land access | Sequestration in soils |
Earthworm count | Woodland connectivity | Nitrate and phosphate levels | Antibiotic usage | Sequestration in vegetation | |
Bulk density | Hedgerows | Surface runoff avoidance | Emissions | ||
VESS | Arable/Grassland plants | Water usage | |||
Soil organic matter | Birds |
Independent science advisory group members
The science advisory group reviews the methodology each year before it is published. It is an independent group working towards ensuring Exchange is backed by rigorous and up to date science and chaired by Dr Abigail Barker.
Name | Job |
|---|---|
Dr. Siobhan Mullan | School of Veterinary Medicine - University College Dublin |
Prof. Sir Charles Godfray | Director, Oxford Martin School |
Prof. Andy Neal | Microbiologist, Soil Systems Research Scientist. Net Zero and Resilient Farming - Rothamsted Research |
Helen Avery | Director, Nature Programmes and GFI Hive - Green Finance Institute |
Prof. Rich Mitchell | Professor - MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit |
Prof. Jeremy Webb | Director - National Biofilms Innovation Centre |