Pepsico trials show benefits of drip irrigation

Despite one of the most challenging years in British farming history, with early droughts followed by widespread floods, PepsiCo surpassed the target of a one-third reduction in water use using drip irrigation at the same time as growing 'more crop per drop'.

Trials were started in UK in 2011, on 100Ha of crops used to produce potatoes for Walkers crisps, and continued throughout 2012.

The trials delivered:

• 7% increase in crop yield with 36% less irrigation water per tonne* (2011)
• 5% increase in crop yield for 49% less irrigation water per tonne* (2012)

These results are helping us deliver on our commitments to sustainable farming and to being a sustainable business. We recognise the important role we can play in helping farmers become more sustainable and are delighted that the farmers trialling drip irrigation are now investing in these systems themselves.

We were proud to be shortlisted for Best Supplier Engagement at the recent Ethical Corporation Awards 2013 for this project and plan to continue working like this with growers to bring sustainable practice into all parts our supply chain.

* Benched against traditional methods of irrigating potatoes with rain-guns or booms. Trials, run with Cambridge University, took place simultaneously in 4 different areas of the country with 3 different grower groups, on 3 different potato varieties across two crop years.

Source: Pepsico