ForFarmers sharpens its sustainability ambitions for a future-proof agricultural sector

26 September 2024

ForFarmers is committed to future-proof farming through knowledge, advice, support and products on farm. Sustainability plays an essential role in this and is therefore a fundamental part of its mission 'For the Future of Farming'. In that context, ForFarmers has further sharpened its sustainability ambitions to be able to support farmers and chain partners in the sector’s transition. ForFarmers aims to reduce its own CO2 emissions by one-third by 2030 compared to the year 2022. In addition, ForFarmers aims to increase the use of circular raw materials by one-third and is committed to protecting biodiversity.

One-third reduction of CO2 emissions
ForFarmers aims to reduce CO2 emissions from its own operations by one-third by 2030. This is a step towards its ambition to be net climate neutral by 2050. This will contribute to making the chain more sustainable, in line with the Paris climate agreement.
This will be achieved by reducing emissions in its own operations by lowering its energy consumption, and where possible, make use of renewable energy (scope 1 and 2). In addition, ForFarmers is focusing on making its raw material procurement more sustainable and reducing on-farm emissions (scope 3).
These emission targets are being validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) so that they are fully in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

One-third more circular raw materials
Livestock farming is crucial to producing affordable and sustainable food by returning co-products or residual flows from the human food industry back into the food chain as much as possible. By processing these co-products into animal feed, they are converted into high-quality proteins such as milk, meat and eggs. This makes livestock farming an indispensable part of the food chain. ForFarmers aims to increase the share of circular raw materials by one-third, meaning that 65% of the raw materials used will be circular by 2030. The recent acquisition of Van Triest Veevoeders B.V. is an important step in achieving this ambition.

Protecting biodiversity
ForFarmers is committed to protecting biodiversity by aiming to responsibly source 100% of all raw materials by 2030. There is also a focus on advising farmers on sustainable land use and reducing nitrogen emissions.

Pieter Wolleswinkel, CEO ForFarmers: "Working together on affordable and sustainable food is our dot on the horizon. We are convinced that in the future livestock farming will remain an essential part of the food chain by upgrading co-products from the food industry to high-quality proteins such as milk, meat and eggs, with low emissions and a contribution to biodiversity. As an important chain partner, we take our responsibility by contributing to a future-proof agricultural sector.  As a company, we are committed every day to achieving these goals as part of our mission: 'For the Future of Farming'."