Green targets: Agrana aligns climate goals for fruit, starch and sugar with Paris Agreement

14 Sep 2023 --- Agrana has received official validation from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) that its greenhouse gas reduction targets are consistent with the 1.5°C target scenario of the Paris Climate Agreement.

According to the business, Agrana is the first food producer in Austria to have validated emission-reduction targets, demonstrating its commitment to combating climate change and protecting the environment.

“On the basis of our science-based targets, we will cut greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain (Scope 1+2+3) by more than 30% and emissions associated with our own production activities (Scope 1+2) compared to 2019-2020 by half by 2030 or 2031,” explains Norbert Harringer, the board member responsible for raw materials, operations and sustainability at Agrana Beteiligungs-AG.

“In addition, we will also reduce our production-related emissions to net zero by 2040 and those along the entire value chain to net zero by 2050.”

Sizeable green investments
Agrana will invest €470 million (US$504.4 million) until 2040 to cut its greenhouse gas Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The company also aims to reduce its Scope 3 emissions, which mainly originate from the farming of agricultural produce.The company plans to switch from natural gas to renewable energy sources – such as biogas from residual materials – at its 55 sites worldwide by 2026 or 2027. This is expected to improve Agrana’s energy efficiency.

The company also aims to reduce its Scope 3 emissions, which account for about 80% of its total emissions and mainly originate from farming agricultural produce.

Agrana has calculated the emissions associated with the growing of crops for each of its three business segments: Fruit, Starch and Sugar. The company will work with its suppliers and agricultural partners to develop and implement specific climate-related reduction targets by 2030, focusing on land use and farming practices.

“We are delighted about the recognition of our climate targets and also regard this as an affirmation of our comprehensive climate strategy,” Harringer concludes.

Other businesses in industry are also advancing their sustainability initiatives. Last month, Oterra launched its first sustainability strategy, aiming to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by the decade’s end.  

Meanwhile, European dairy cooperative Arla has started to pay out a monthly incentive to its farmer owners based on their sustainability efforts. 

Although green targets may have taken a back seat during difficult times of conflict, supply chain challenges and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, food companies insist they are as committed to improving sustainability as ever. 

Edited by Marc Cervera