18/06/2024 (Grain Central) - The Arnott’s Group has been announced as a founding partner of Cargill’s SustainConnect program, which aims to enhance the production of sustainable canola oil in Australia.

SustainConnect was launched in February, and equips participating growers with tools, resources, and market access, supporting the transition toward sustainable agriculture.

Additionally, it opens revenue streams for growers, and is catering to rising demand from both domestic and international customers.

Collaborations across supply chain partners play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals and delivering lasting benefits to farming communities.

Arnott’s has set a goal of net-zero emissions in its operations by 2040, and across is value chain by 2050.

Arnott’s Group chief transformation officer Simon Lowden said the company’s collaboration with Cargill was a meaningful step towards creating more resilient and sustainably conscious supply chain in Australia.

“Key ingredients for our products, including canola oil, play a crucial role in this effort,” Mr Lowden said.

“Our intention is that as the program continues to grow and evolve, that it provides a step change for the industry.”

Australian canola growers enrolled in Cargill SustainConnect can choose from various sustainable practices, including nutrient-management interventions, reduced or no-tillage methods, and crop-residue retention.

These practices improve soil health but and contribute to decarbonising the agricultural supply chain, and are part of Cargill’s global aim to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 10 percent by 2025, and in its supply chain by 30pc per tonne of product sold by 2030.

“Agriculture holds a unique opportunity to adopt sustainable practices that address the global climate challenge while improving economic prospects for farmers, the backbone of our food system,” Cargill environmental market lead  Asia-Pacific Ben Fargher said.

“By implementing changes at the grassroots level of our supply chains with partners like The Arnott’s Group, Cargill can significantly reduce emissions and enhance soil resilience for future generations.”

Macquarie Valley grower Tim Gainsford shares the farmers’ perspective.

“As farmers, we’re passionate about growing food with a lower carbon footprint; however, it’s not always easy to navigate,” Mr Gainsford said.

“Cargill’s SustainConnect program gives us a chance to be rewarded for our sustainable practices, and knowing that our canola is in demand from iconic brands like Arnott’s makes us even more delighted to be part of this positive change.”

Cargill has partnered with Regrow to measure, report, and verify carbon outcomes. Using in-field data, remote sensing, and crop and soil-health modeling, the Regrow platform ensures transparency and accurate measurement for growers and Cargill’s customers. The SustainConnect program is currently available to Australian canola farmers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria, and is looking to extend into Western Australia.

https://www.graincentral.com/carbon/arnotts-taps-into-cargills-credentialed-canola-oil/