The Arnott’s Group is partnering with global food company, Cargill, on its SustainConnect program, which aims to enhance the production of sustainable canola oil in Australia. Arnott's says it recognises the need to support farming communities and the transition to more sustainable ingredients.
The program equips participating farmers with essential tools, resources, and market access, supporting the transition toward sustainable agriculture. It also opens new revenue streams for Australian growers and caters to rising demand from domestic and international customers.
The Arnott’s Group stated that it recognises the need to protect farming communities and the land on which they rely, by sourcing ingredients sustainably.
Arnott’s Group chief transformation officer, Simon Lowden, said the company’s intention is that as the program continues to grow and evolve, it provides a step change for the industry
“Our collaboration with Cargill is a meaningful step towards creating a more resilient and sustainably conscious supply chain in Australia. Key ingredients for our products, including canola oil, plays a crucial role in this effort.”
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 and contribute to decarbonising the agricultural supply chain.
Cargill environmental market lead APAC, Ben Fargher, said that agriculture was the backbone of the food system.
“Agriculture holds a unique opportunity to adopt sustainable practices that address the global climate challenge while improving economic prospects for farmers.
“By implementing changes at the grassroots level of our supply chains, with partners like The Arnott’s Group, we can significantly reduce emissions and enhance soil resilience for future generations.”
Cargill has partnered with carbon measurement business, Regrow, to measure, report, and verify carbon outcomes. Using in-field data, remote sensing, and crop and soil health modelling, the Regrow platform shares accurate measurement for growers and Cargill customers.
New South Wales canola farmer, Tim Gainsford, said that the farming community was passionate about growing food with a lower carbon footprint, it wasn’t always easy to navigate.
“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,” he said.
The SustainConnect program is currently available to Australian canola farmers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and Cargill is looking to extend the program into Western Australia in the future.
