COP26 and the importance of Brazilian agriculture towards a green and sustainable world

COP26 brought to light the importance of discussing how food is produced before getting to our tables. The food value chain has been undergoing major and relevant changes for some time now. Sustainability and traceability are the main focus of those changes, which are driven by the current climate emergency that has also led to a transformation in consumer demands and government policies.

Everyone should be committed to a sustainable planet and work towards promoting environmental responsibility throughout the entire economic and production chain. Long before COP26, Yara was already aware of society’s wishes for an environment-friendly production. Since 2005 we have reduced emissions from our global operations by nearly 45%. Together with over one hundred other companies and sector-based organizations operating in Brazilian territory, we signed a letter presented to the event’s organizers, in which we defend Brazil’s leading role in the fight against the worsening effects of climate change and the country’s role in advocating for a low-carbon, climate-neutral economy. We believe in Brazil’s strength and ability to lead these global issues.

During COP-26 Yara also announced its adhesion to the “First Movers Coalition”, an environmental initiative that brings together global companies of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, aluminum, chemicals, shipping, aviation and trucking, and made a commitment to only purchase low-carbon products to help build “green” supply chains and meet climate goals by 2030. Along with 27 other companies, we have also taken on the H2Zero initiative, whose goal is to accelerate the use and production of hydrogen as an essential part of the decarbonization process of different industries.

In agriculture, producers are increasingly aware of climate issues and welcome initiatives that can help them in their mission of feeding the world in a sustainable and responsible way. This can be achieved through support and guidance for the correct use of inputs, replacement with products that reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and retain carbon in the soil, or actions that financially encourage farmers, such as the generation of carbon credits issued from the adoption of sustainable practices in agricultural activities.

We are sure that the solution to the challenges that society and the planet will face in the coming years requires a more productive and sustainable agriculture. Brazil and Brazilian farmers play an essential role in it, and Yara will do its part to be the preferred partner of customers and other business partners on this journey. We are committed to a carbon-neutral future, and have the goal to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Globally, we are in a position to help decarbonize the food chain, with trusted relationships with millions of farmers in 65 countries. We see a clear opportunity to contribute to a sustainable agriculture while building new businesses for farmers and for the company.

Yara’s role in decarbonizing the agriculture and the industry is a major one, and involves different fronts. In addition to green fertilizers, we are investing in open innovation and venture capital, for example; working with innovative and resource-efficient digital tools suitable for any farmer around the world; supporting farmers to create green revenue streams while encouraging consumers to make low-carbon choices; among other initiatives. Driven by knowledge, science and a strong sense of purpose to build long-term profitability and value while meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Yara operates in three main areas:

• Green Agriculture: Through technology and digital tools, it is possible to accelerate a carbon-positive agriculture, making agricultural activity more resource-efficient, more productive and environmentally friendly. We are pioneers in the development of carbon-free fertilizers, and are developing solutions based on recirculated nutrients, ensuring that organic fertilizers can also be used in precision agriculture.
• Green Revenue: Through partnerships, we are introducing full transparency into the food value chain and thereby creating green revenue streams for farmers. By joining forces with other companies, as well as with governments and regulators, the company is creating a carbon market, where farmers are paid for carbon capture and storage. We have recently launched the “Agoro Carbon Alliance” in Brazil, an initiative created to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices and earn income from carbon credits.
• Green Energy: Clean hydrogen will drive the transition to a fossil fuel-free future. Green ammonia is the gateway to clean hydrogen economy because it’s the best and easiest way to transport and store hydrogen. We are a world leader in ammonia technology and have partnered with a number of clean energy companies to enable the production of green ammonia. That will lead to the production of carbon-free fertilizers. It will also serve as a carbon-free fuel for the shipping industry and allow for the decarbonization of other energy-intensive industries. We have recently signed a partnership with the energy company Raízen for the daily acquisition of 20,000 m3 of biomethane, which will serve as an input to produce green ammonia and therefore green fertilizers.

Brazilian farmers have a history of good agricultural practices for the environment, such as cover crops and no-till, practices that revolutionized the Brazilian agriculture. And fertilizers are one of the most relevant assets to contribute to the journey of agriculture towards a sustainable future, since they promote higher levels of yield without the need to expand the planted area.

We are proud to have actively contributed to the development of both the Brazilian agriculture and the entire national food system for over 40 years. Through partnerships and connections with the food industry, Yara wants to help Brazilian producers to prosper and meet their goals and responsibilities, and to meet society’s wishes for products that represent this “green commitment”. We are working therefore from farm to table, and integrating different links of the same chain towards a common goal: to feed the world and protect the planet.

We hope that the commitments made during COP26 are strictly followed through, so that the global image of Brazilian agribusiness is increasingly positive and that the sector is seen as one that actually contributes to the future of humanity. And we as communication professionals have a critical role in promoting this discussion and in engaging our audiences, with transparency and participation of our entire chain.

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