WAYZATA, MINN.— Cargill is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chain by 30% per ton of product by 2030. The commitment builds on the company’s previously announced goal to reduce absolute emissions by 10%.
The goals were approved by the Science Based Target Initiative, a collaboration between environmental nonprofit CDP, The United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (W.R.I.) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (W.W.F.).
“As a large and influential company in the agriculture sector, Cargill’s actions will positively impact the food industry and help companies further downstream reduce their own emissions,” said Cynthia Cummis, director of private sector climate mitigation at W.R.I.
In June, Cargill announced the BeefUp Sustainability initiative to reduce greenhouse gas intensity across its North American beef supply chain by 30%. The project includes an expanded partnership with The Nature Conservancy, an environmental organization, as well as the Yield Lab Institute’s Manure Innovation Challenge, which connects start-ups and other companies to capture value from manure-based nutrients, fiber and energy.
The company also is part of the Global Maritime Forum’s Decarbonization Task Force, which aims to transition the global shipping industry to carbon-neutral by 2050. Other environmental initiatives include protecting forests and advancing soil health.
“Without bold and decisive actions by all involved in the production of food, climate change will destabilize the food system,” said David W. MacLennan, chairman and chief executive officer at Cargill. “We are determined to innovate, scale and implement solutions together with producers, our customers and governments worldwide. Agriculture is how we will mitigate climate change, regenerate our soils and improve water use, while nourishing the world in a more sustainable way.”