Cargill has launched SustainConnect, a sustainable agriculture program designed to connect Australian canola growers with new and emerging markets, while catering to the rising domestic and international demand for sustainable Australian canola.
The launch follows the completion of a successful pilot program in 2023, and will scale Cargill’s global sustainable agriculture portfolio, tailored to the needs of local farmers and operations.
SustainConnect also builds on Cargill’s global efforts to make sustainable farming programs commonplace across its global supply chains, which includes the Cargill RegenConnect program in North America and Europe.
Cargill environmental market lead APAC Ben Fargher said there was a unique opportunity to utilise sustainable agricultural practices to address the global climate challenge and better the economic prospects for farmers, who are at the forefront of the food system.
“Changes made at the grassroots of our supply chains can deliver a significant impact in reducing emissions and building the resilience of our soils for the next generation. We are actively working hand-in-hand with canola growers to lead the way, supporting them with tools, resources – and importantly, market access – to make the shift to sustainable agriculture,” said Fargher.
Australian canola growers enrolled in Cargill SustainConnect can choose from a variety of sustainable agriculture practices including several nutrient management interventions, reduced or no-tillage and crop residue retention.
Cargill has partnered with leading carbon measurement business Regrow to measure, report and verify (MRV) carbon outcomes using in-field data, remote sensing and crop and soil health modelling. The Regrow platform ensures easy enrolment and secure data collection, while providing growers and Cargill’s demand customers with transparent measurement and verification options.
“Growers have told us they are looking for sustainability programs that offer simplicity, transparency, and flexibility to suit their specific operations. We’ve taken this feedback and designed Cargill SustainConnect to address these needs, and it has been very well received,” said Fargher.
How SustainConnect works
Cargill has been enrolling Australian canola growers in SustainConnect, providing a financial incentive for positive environmental outcomes through the adoption of sustainable practices, while helping to improve soil health and decarbonise the agricultural supply chain.
Cargill will help growers implement chosen interventions and share data from their activities, and growers will receive a guaranteed $25/Ha, subject to practices being implemented in compliance with the one-year agreement.
Growers will receive payment for the interventions and access to opportunities in environmental markets and sustainable supply chains, while opening doors to Cargill’s downstream customers, who count on agricultural supply chains to achieve sustainability goals.
The program is currently available to Australian canola farmers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and Cargill is looking to extend this program in Western Australian in the future.
Cargill is currently evaluating expanding the SustainConnect program to grains in the future, with the first barley pilots are underway.
Growers who are interested to participate in Cargill SustainConnect have until 31 March to join the program.
