Agri companies partner to meet global climate goals

The statement, which has been signed by, among others, Cargill, Bunge, Marfrig, Amaggi and JBS, says that within a year (by COP27) the firms will lay out a shared roadmap for enhanced supply chain action consistent with a 1.5°C pathway.

This will, according to a statement, “support the achievement of our goals and increases collaboration and implementation in areas including enabling policy environments, transparency on scope 3 emissions and indirect supply chains, and improving livelihoods for farmers.”

Global efforts in reaching net-zero

It says that as 10 global companies with a major share in the world market in key commodities such as soy, palm oil, cocoa and cattle, they have a shared commitment to halting forest loss associated with agricultural commodity production and trade.

“We recognise that significant progress has been made, but this progress must be accelerated and scaled-up to support global efforts in reaching net-zero emissions globally by 2050, halting biodiversity loss, and providing sustainable livelihoods. So, we intend to build on our shared efforts, working with governments, farmers and other key stakeholders in our supply chains, to accelerate sector-wide action and identify opportunities for public-private collaboration to catalyse further progress on eliminating commodity-driven deforestation.”

Eliminate deforestation

The signatories also gave updates on their commitments and progress to date:

Juan Luciano, ADM president and CE, said the company aimed to eliminate deforestation from all of its supply chains by 2030: “We believe that sustainable, ethical and responsible production by the food industry is critical for curbing global warming, conserving native biodiversity and upholding the rights of indigenous communities and smallholders.”

Franky Oesman Widjaja, Golden Agri-Resources CE, said the firm and the palm oil industry had made substantial progress towards no deforestation, helping to store large amounts of carbon: “We see climate action as a priority, and support the government of Indonesia in achieving FoLU carbon net sink by 2030 as well as Indonesia’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2060.”

Practical solutions

Gregory Heckman, Bunge CEO, said his company had been a founder and active member of leading industry associations and platforms to find practical solutions to common sustainability challenges.

And Marcos Mulina, Marfrig CE, added that Marfrig had been a pioneer in the animal protein sector to include supply chain monitoring and reduction of methane gas emissions as part of its ongoing goals.