SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — GrainCorp has unveiled GrainCorp Next, a sustainable agriculture initiative intended to develop an end-to-end low-carb emissions supply chain for Australian grains and oilseeds.
The multi-year initiative is designed to reduce carbon emissions by working with growers to maintain and expand their sustainable farming practices, and by incorporating renewable energy sources and other practical decarbonization efforts across GrainCorp’s supply chain.
GrainCorp Next initially will focus on canola, which the company said has significant potential due to its low emissions profile and high level of integration within its operations, from handling to crushing and refining. GrainCorp said it intends to add wheat and barley over time as it seeks to broaden the initiative’s impact.
“At GrainCorp, we sit at the heart of the grains supply chain, which gives us a unique ability to connect growers with emerging market opportunities for low-carbon crops and support them on their sustainability journeys,” said Michael Anderson, general manager of sustainability, GrainCorp. “Through GrainCorp Next, we’re working closely with growers to identify emission reduction opportunities at the farm-gate and beyond, helping them to meet the rising demand for high-quality, sustainably produced foods.”
GrainCorp said its research shows that less than 10% of growers surveyed currently map their emissions, highlighting the need for better tools, awareness and support. The first stage of the initiative will involve a select number of growers across Victoria and southern New South Wales, working with GrainCorp and other key supply chain partners to pioneer best practices in sustainability and data management.
Nutrien Ag Solutions, a global provider of crop inputs and farm services, is partnering with GrainCorp on the initiative. Nutrien will be working with participating growers by using its Farm Emissions Profile service to calculate their net farm emissions and help make data-driven decisions on carbon reduction for their operation.
GrainCorp Next also will explore other opportunities to reduce emissions along the supply chain, including using renewable fuel to transport grain and improving energy efficiency at GrainCorp’s Numurkah processing site, all while continuing to work with growers on their sustainability journey.
“By assessing each stage of the canola value chain, we’re working to demonstrate practical emissions reductions interventions that can be scaled across the industry,” Anderson said. “We’re just getting started with this initiative, but we’re excited about the road ahead and the potential to position Australian agriculture as a leader in sustainable, low-carbon agriculture.”
