REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA — Viterra is taking a major step toward its commitment to a sustainable future for the agriculture industry and mitigating climate change with goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2050, the company announced May 31.

“We recognize the need for action on climate change across our global network to ensure we can continue our role as an industry leader of supplying sustainable agricultural products in the short, medium and long term,” said David Mattiske, chief executive officer of Viterra.

Viterra has endorsed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment of climate change science and supports the Paris Agreement and its commitment to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue 1.5 degrees Celsius. The company’s approach also will align to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). 

To ensure it remains on track for net zero, the Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada-based company, which operates in 37 countries with a network of agricultural storage, processing and transportation assets, will establish robust medium-term emission reduction targets. 

Viterra’s initial focus will be on scope 1 and 2 emissions, with plans to set reduction targets in 2023, using 2022 as the baseline year. Further, the company will commence measuring its Scope 3 emissions as it works toward the goal of decarbonizing its supply chains.

“We have a goal to eliminate deforestation in our supply chains and have committed to eradicating sourcing from deforested land in 2025,” David said. “Last year, we were one of 13 agricultural signatories to the COP26 commitment to end deforestation and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with our supply chain. We aim to positively impact the environment wherever we operate and achieve sustainability across our global network.”