Viterra bolsters sustainable agriculture commitments with new goal to achieve carbon net-zero by 2050

CANADA — Canadian grain handling business, Viterra, has announced its goal to be carbon net-zero by 2050 as the company continues in its commitment toward a sustainable future for the agriculture industry and mitigating climate change.

Viterra has endorsed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment of climate change science and supports the Paris Agreement and its commitment to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2⁰C and pursue 1.5⁰C. The company’s approach also will align with the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

“We recognize the need for action on climate change across our global network to ensure we can continue our role as an industry leader in supplying sustainable agricultural products in the short, medium, and long term,” said David Mattiske, chief executive officer of Viterra.

To ensure it remains on track for net-zero, the company will establish robust medium-term emission reduction targets. Viterra’s initial focus will be on scope 1 and 2 emissions.

These represent direct emissions from company-owned and controlled resources and indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, from a utility provider respectively.

The company has plans to set reduction targets in 2023, using 2022 as the baseline year. Further, the company will commence measuring its Scope 3 emissions as it works toward the goal of decarbonizing its supply chains.

“We have a goal to eliminate deforestation in our supply chains and have committed to eradicating sourcing from deforested land in 2025,” David said.

“Last year, we were one of 13 agricultural signatories to the COP26 commitment to end deforestation and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with our supply chain.

We aim to positively impact the environment wherever we operate and achieve sustainability across our global network.”

The company, which operates in 37 countries with a world-leading, fully integrated network of agricultural storage, processing, and transportation assets, connects producers to consumers with sustainable, traceable, and quality-controlled agricultural products.

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