agribusinessreview.comMARCH 202419 insightscXoAMBITIOUS PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY TO SCALING REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE Climate change continues to be one of the most critical issues of our time. The science shows we must pursue efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5 °C above-preindustrial levels to avoid the worst effects of climate change. However, we can only do that by achieving net zero emissions by 2050, meaning the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric concentrations of these gases.To achieve net-zero emissions, global greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, as well as agriculture.The deployment of sustainable farming methods is one of several levers we can pull to reduce emissions and decarbonise the agriculture sector (alongside reforestation, afforestation, and other nature-positive solutions). We need to employ sustainable practices that maintain the health of the world's soil not only so it can continue to produce for generations to come, but also so it can sequester large amounts of carbon ­ keeping it locked in the ground and out of the atmosphere.`Regenerative agriculture' is a system of farming that helps to rebuild the health of our soils while producing food to feed the world. The principles of regenerative agriculture are based on agriculture practices adaptive to local physical conditions and culture. Such principles include maintaining living roots in soil, maximising diversity of crops, minimizing soil disturbance through reduced tillage, continuously covering soil by using cover crops, and responsibly managing use of fertilizer and pesticides. Regenerative agriculture isn't a new concept, but it's only in recent years that the benefits of employing regenerative agriculture practices have become more widely acknowledged. These benefits span the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the sequestration of carbon, an improvement to water quality, the promotion of soil biodiversity and healthier soil which boosts farming yields over the long term.If we are to build a more sustainable agriculture industry, scaling the practice of regenerative agriculture in the supply chain is critical. We know it makes good environmental sense, and it makes good business sense too. Employing regenerative agriculture in supply chains helps companies deliver on their Scope 3 emissions targets. It also helps them meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable products, while aligning with stakeholder expectations for Ana YaluffBy Ana Yaluff, Director of Sustainability EMEA, ADM
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