Alliance to support U.S. farmers in transition to lower-carbon agriculture

(Posted on 23/05/23)

Bunge and Nutrien Ag Solutions, the retail division of Nutrien Ltd. have announced a strategic alliance and commercial agreement to support U.S. farmers in the implementation of sustainable farming practices that will help increase the development of lower carbon products. The initiative is expected to expand sustainable agriculture across shared supply chains in North America, bringing more whole-acre solutions to food, feed and fuel customers and end-consumers.

“Making meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires collaboration between stakeholders, including farmers, crop input companies and processors. We are pleased to create this new alliance with Nutrien Ag Solutions, which will further strengthen Bunge’s connection with farmers in the U.S. and create value for participants across all our value chains,” commented Fernando Candia, Bunge’s Vice President of Carbon Solutions. “Our focus is on continuing to invest in our business to support low-carbon initiatives including the implementation of regenerative agriculture best practices to improve soil health, capture carbon and increase biodiversity to minimize emissions.”

The initial programme will focus on soybeans grown in the regions close to Bunge’s crushing facilities in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Decatur, Indiana, with the opportunity for future expansion to other locations and crops such as corn and wheat. The program is targeting the 2023/2024 crop season and is expected to include practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management and responsible pesticide use.

"The implementation of sustainable farming practices that bring additional value to growers for lower carbon products requires a strong and established ally that shares our values,” said Matt Marshall, Nutrien Ag Solutions Vice President, Sustainable Ag and Retail Strategy. “Through this new Alliance, we will increase the implementation of sustainable practices that impact soil health and nutrient use efficiency to bring new revenue opportunities to the field.”

Nutrien Ag Solutions plans to provide crop consulting services, custom applications of fertility and/or chemistry, analytical testing of soil, water & tissue, traceability, and data collection via its proprietary platform Agrible - which uses predictive agronomic forecasts and sustainability metrics.

“Sustainable agriculture is an important part of modern farming and essential for being stewards of the environment. We are very excited to be working with Bunge to connect growers through the shared purpose of being caretakers of the land,” said Rob Clayton, Senior Vice President of Nutrien Ag Solutions in North America. “At Nutrien Ag Solutions, we understand that every farm is unique and pride ourselves on being able to provide personalized, whole-acre solutions for every field through the agronomists and crop consultants that work directly with our growers. We look forward to providing our services during this initial program for the upcoming crop season and beyond.”

Bunge plans to contract with these farmers and manage harvest and post-harvest commercialisation.

“We are excited to be a key partner to downstream customers in bringing solutions to help them meet commitments to reduce emissions in their value chains, as well as incorporate regen ag practices across their ingredients and end-consumer products. As the global leader in oilseed processing, we are positioned to leverage alliances with innovative industry players to unlock value along the value chain - from farmers to consumers - and help make our food systems more sustainable,” commented Julio Garros, Bunge’s Co-President, Agribusiness.