Olam Agri signs partnership with GIZ to promote sustainable agriculture

SINGAPORE – Olam Agri, a global leader in food, feed, and fiber agribusiness, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a German development agency. 

The agreement aims to enhance sustainable practices in agriculture supply chains, focusing on rice, cotton, and rubber across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Sunny Verghese, Olam Agri’s Co-Founder and Group CEO, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the company and GIZ, stating that the collaboration has led to advancements in smallholder farming, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. 

He expressed optimism about expanding sustainability initiatives through this partnership.

Anna Sophie Herken, Managing Director at GIZ, described the MoU as a huge milestone in their joint efforts to promote sustainable food systems. 

She emphasized the potential to broaden the scope of existing projects, particularly in climate-smart farming.

The MoU outlines three main objectives: supporting sustainable food production while addressing climate adaptation and conserving soil, water, and biodiversity; improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods by providing access to essential services; and implementing traceability and sustainability across supply chains.

Key areas of focus include regenerative agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, financial access for smallholders, economic inclusion, crop residue management, and ecosystem restoration. 

Both parties aim to address broader topics such as carbon initiatives, landscape-based approaches, and digital innovations to drive progress.

In related developments, Olam Agri recently received a non-binding offer from the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) for its agribusiness unit. 

SALIC’s interest follows its December 2022 acquisition of a 35.43% stake in Olam Agri for US$1.24 billion. 

While Olam Agri had initially planned a public listing as part of a restructuring strategy, the IPO was delayed, and the company announced it was open to alternative options, including a potential sale to SALIC.

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