Beyond Benchmarking: Building a Verified Low-Carbon Supply Chain with Rob Chester

River Health & Responsible Farming - with Duncan Parkinson, Agriculture Client Manager at SCI

On this episode of the SCI Podcast, host Dom Burch speaks with Duncan Parkinson, Agriculture Client Manager at SCI and lifelong farmer. Duncan shares his experience across arable, dairy, beef, lamb, pigs and his background in quality assurance. As both a farmer and assessor, he emphasises empathy, practical knowledge, and continual improvement on farms . 🌊 What’s happening in UK rivers? Duncan explains increasing public and regulatory scrutiny on river pollution — especially in areas like the River Wye where intensive poultry farming and population pressures meet ageing water infrastructure . Key causes: * Water companies: ageing sewage systems, extreme weather, overcapacity * Agriculture: not deliberate pollution, but diffuse runoff from manure, soil and nutrients during heavy rain Nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen fuel algae growth, reducing oxygen and harming river ecosystems (eutrophication) . ✅ What does good practice look like? Farmers should follow basic agricultural rules: * Soil health monitoring * Manure and fertiliser planning & storage * Nutrient management plans (e.g. AHDB RB209) * Right input, right time, right amount * Equipment maintenance & weather-aware spreading decisions  Many farms use FACTS-qualified advisors for nutrient planning, and water companies offer support grants for pollution control and infrastructure upgrades . 🛡️ Role of assurance Rules exist, but enforcement is often reactive. Duncan helped create a proactive assurance scheme aligned to Farming Rules for Water, giving farmers and brands independent evidence of compliance and improvement . This protects: * Farm reputation * Retail and brand supply chains * Consumer trust > “You can’t just blame water companies — agriculture must be able to stand behind what it's doing.”  ⚠️ Reputational risk rising Public expectations and legal pressure are increasing. Cheap food expectations clash with demands for sustainability — retailers and integrators are expected to know their supply base and demonstrate environmental responsibility . 🚀 Innovation & future solutions Promising developments discussed: * Pelletising manure for transport & use in arable regions * Biochar production from poultry litter * Technology to remove phosphate from manures * Better slurry handling and application systems * More mixed-farming models to recycle nutrients locally  🧠 Key Takeaway Protecting rivers is not just about compliance — it’s about future-proofing farming, safeguarding brand reputation, and staying ahead of regulatory and public expectations. Get in touch [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2353877/fan_mail/new]

Beyond the Label: Shaun Kokott on Food Facts, Myths, and Common Sense Eating

In this episode of the Supply Chain Insights podcast, Dom Burch sits down with Shaun Kokott, Head of Retail & Supply Chain at SCI, to explore the facts, myths, and shifting narratives around what we eat. With decades of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, Shaun is known for demystifying complex industry topics — from food labelling to nutritional science — and bringing common sense back into the conversation. Shaun shares the story behind his viral LinkedIn post, I Was a Tartrazine Kid, recalling the days when industry insiders relied on physical reference books like E for Additives to decode E numbers. He explains that E numbers themselves aren’t inherently bad — they’re simply a European classification for approved additives — but stresses the importance of transparency so consumers know exactly what they’re buying. The conversation moves into sugar and sweeteners, where Shaun highlights how misleading claims like “no added sugar” can mask the presence of natural sugars or alternative sweeteners. He urges consumers to read labels critically and understand that “too much of a good thing” — even fruit — can have negative effects. Drawing on history, Shaun reflects on how selective research, like Ancel Keys’ famous Seven Countries Study, shaped decades of dietary advice around cholesterol and fat. He shares his own experience of lowering cholesterol by moving away from low-fat, highly processed foods and embracing whole, high-fat foods like eggs, full-fat yoghurt, and quality meats. His message: be curious, question received wisdom, and use moderation rather than fear to guide food choices. On misinformation, Shaun advises consumers to look beyond marketing claims — for example, asking what replaces fat in “0% fat” products — and to be aware that replacing one nutrient often means adding another, which may not be healthier. Looking ahead, he sees growth in “functional foods” that offer tangible health benefits, such as kefir for gut health. He notes encouraging signs that both consumers and the industry are moving back toward cooking from scratch, while still valuing convenience through meal kits and healthier quick-service options. Shaun also weighs in on trends like high-protein snacks and even protein sodas, warning that protein quality matters as much as quantity. For gym-goers and health-conscious consumers, he recommends focusing on whole food sources over heavily processed bars and drinks. The episode closes with a reminder that while innovation has its place, there’s much to learn from looking back — whether it’s traditional diets, basic nutrition, or simple, balanced meals. In a world of fortified snacks and functional beverages, sometimes the best choice is still the simplest: whole, minimally processed food. Get in touch [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2353877/fan_mail/new]

Innovation Isn't the Hard Part – It's Adoption, with Trista Li, Head of Innovation at SCI

In this thought-provoking episode, host Dom Burch speaks with Trista Li, SCI’s Head of Innovation, about the human-first challenges of ESG, sustainability, and supply chain transformation. From grassroots food distribution in underserved Chicago communities to cutting-edge AI adoption in manufacturing, Trista shares her fascinating journey and what it taught her about solving real-world problems. Together, Dom and Trista explore: * Why adoption, not technology, is often the biggest hurdle in ESG transformation. * How peer-to-peer learning is emerging as a key lever in supply chain innovation. * The importance of designing ESG systems with farmers, not just for them. * How Trista's background in AI and computer vision is influencing SCI’s approach to low-carbon agriculture and compliance. * The insights coming out of SCI’s rice project in Thailand—and what 32 different fertilisers can teach us about shared best practice. Plus, Trista reveals the three technology areas she’s most excited about: 1. On-farm AI and surveillance tech for real-time insight. 2. Biotech and seed innovation that reduce emissions at the source. 3. Operational innovation to scale ESG outcomes across supply chains. Key Themes: * ESG strategy & Scope 3 emissions * Human-centred innovation * Technology adoption curves * Smallholder farmer engagement * Peer-to-peer learning in agriculture * AI, machine learning & supply chains * Behaviour change & ROI in sustainability Quotable Moment: > “Technology is not the reason you have a business—it’s there to facilitate the thing you do best.” – Trista Li Resources & Mentions: * SCI's rice farming pilot in Thailand * "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore * Peer-to-peer learning models * Applications of computer vision in agriculture * ESG frameworks (Scope 3, carbon footprint, deforestation) Follow & Subscribe: If you’re working on ESG, adoption, sustainability, or supply chain transformation, this episode is for you. Subscribe to SCI In-Sites wherever you get your podcasts—and share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn. Get in touch [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2353877/fan_mail/new]

Beyond Benchmarking: Building a Verified Low-Carbon Supply Chain with Rob Chester

In this episode of the SCI In-Sites Podcast, Dom Burch is joined by SCI’s CEO, Rob Chester, for a no-nonsense conversation about ESG, Scope 3 emissions, and why it’s time to stop polishing the dashboard and start fixing the engine. What began as a benchmarking request from a leading Asian retailer quickly escalated into a full-scale pilot project — tackling the biggest source of their emissions: rice. Within just six months, SCI worked with 30 farmers, built a simple but effective tech tool, and proved a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, without compromising on yield or quality. 🎧 Tune in to hear: * Why 93% of food emissions come from supply chains — and why most ESG reports still miss the point * How greenwashing regulation is forcing retailers to shift from assumptions to actionable evidence * A behind-the-scenes look at SCI’s five-stage methodology and how it’s empowering farmers through real-time feedback * What it takes to scale from 30 to 1,000 farms — and beyond * Rob’s frank advice to sustainability leads feeling overwhelmed: "I’ve been in your shoes." Whether you’re wrestling with Scope 3, tired of theoretical models, or looking for real impact at scale — this episode is for you. 🔗 Links & Resources: * Read the full blog: [Link to blog post [https://www.scinsites.com/]] * Learn more about SCI’s sustainable rice project: [SCI website [https://www.scinsites.com/]] * Get in touch: [Contact page [https://www.scinsites.com/contact]] Get in touch [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2353877/fan_mail/new]

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners - Rob Chester, CEO of SCI

In this episode of the In-Sites podcast, host Dom Burch reconnects with Rob Chester, CEO of SCI, for a thought-provoking discussion on how businesses can reduce costs without sacrificing integrity or effectiveness—especially in compliance-heavy sectors like certification and supply chains. Rob draws from his extensive experience, notably his time in China where he slashed compliance fines through root cause analysis and sustainable solutions. Instead of treating symptoms, he focused on long-term fixes that enabled reinvestment in compliance functions, proving that smart cost-cutting can be self-funding and impactful. He critiques the “chainsaw” approach to cost-cutting popularised in some sectors, advocating instead for precision, analysis, and reinvestment. Real savings come not from blanket cuts but from strategic improvements that prevent recurring problems. SCI’s approach goes beyond traditional audits by embracing real-time assurance and technology integration, creating a broader toolbox for managing risk efficiently. Drawing inspiration from industries like aviation, SCI promotes real-time data feeds and predictive systems over backward-looking audits. A key differentiator for SCI is its people-first ethos. Instead of investing in overheads like office space, the company channels resources into hiring top talent and enhancing employee benefits annually—an intentional counter to the declining value many employees have experienced since the 2008 financial crisis. SCI even offers equity to team members who stay over a year, fostering long-term engagement and shared success. Rob also reflects on leadership lessons from Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, emphasising the value of balancing frugality with innovation. Like Walton, SCI keeps costs low while strategically investing in what matters most—people, tools, and trust. This episode is a masterclass in ethical efficiency, proving that with the right mindset and culture, businesses can thrive while doing right by their people and their partners. 🎧 Listen now to learn how sustainable thinking, people investment, and tech innovation can transform your cost strategy. Get in touch [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2353877/fan_mail/new]