GrainCorp has unveiled its latest sustainable agriculture initiative, GrainCorp Next, aimed at developing an end to end low-carbon emissions supply chain for Australian grains and oilseeds.
This multi-year initiative is designed to reduce carbon emissions from paddock to plate by working with growers to maintain and expand their sustainable farming practices, and by incorporating renewable energy sources and other practical decarbonisation interventions across GrainCorp’s supply chain.
The first phase of GrainCorp Next will focus on canola – a crop with significant potential due to its low emissions profile and its high level of integration within GrainCorp’s operations, from handling to crushing and refining.
Over time, we intend to extend the initiative to other key crops such as wheat and barley, in an effort to broaden the reach of low-carbon farming practices across the supply chain.
“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,” says GrainCorp General Manager Sustainability, Michael Anderson.
“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.
“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.”
Supporting growers on their sustainability journey
For many growers, reducing on-farm emissions can be challenging due to a lack of resources, effective tools and consistent information.
GrainCorp’s research shows that less than 10 per cent of growers surveyed currently map their emissions, highlighting the need for better tools, awareness and support.
That is where GrainCorp Next comes in.
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.
Participating growers will benefit from expert guidance on sustainable farming practices, support on emissions reduction strategies and opportunities to collaborate with other growers in exchanging and sharing experiences.
Anthony Poloni, a grower from Barellan, southern NSW, who is among the first to participate in the initiative, says: “As farmers, we innovate and we like to adapt. It’ s constantly evolving.
“Moving forward, we’ve got to be sustainable, so if we can do something now that helps in the future, then it’s going to help for generations to come.
“We need help with direction, (to) give us a bit more understanding of sustainability.”
By fostering a collaborative environment, GrainCorp Next encourages the exchange of ideas on sustainable agriculture and other practical emissions reduction strategies.
Partnering for progress
A key element of GrainCorp Next is pre-competitive collaboration, across all supply chain partners, for the benefit of the whole industry.
By bringing together not only growers but other key supply chain participants, the GrainCorp Next initiative aims to design commercially viable interventions that drive emissions reduction at every stage of the canola value chain.
One of these partners is Nutrien Ag Solutions, one of the world’s largest providers of crop inputs and farm services.
Nutrien is working with participating growers by using its Farm Emissions Profile service to calculate their net farm emissions.
“Nutrien Ag Solutions’ team of sustainability specialists has joined GrainCorp Next, offering education sessions for participating growers, so they can better understand the major sources of emissions on farm and practical levers to reduce those emissions,” says Rebecca Underwood, Nutrien Ag Solutions Head of Commercial Sustainability.
“We are now working with these growers to understand their individual canola production emissions and total farm emissions through Nutrien’s Farm Emissions Profile service, which allows us to assist the growers to make data-driven decisions to calculate and reduce their on-farm emissions.”
Additionally, GrainCorp Next 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.
Where to ‘Next’?
GrainCorp Next is currently focused on canola growers in Victoria and NSW, with plans to expand the initiative across the east coast of Australia.
“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,” says Anderson.
Growers interested in learning more about the program can join our GrainCorp Next email.
Please send your written consent to receive this email to: sustainability@graincorp.com.au
About GrainCorp
GrainCorp is an integrated grain and edible oils business with a market leading presence as the largest grain storage and handling business in ECA and the number one edible oil processor and oilseed crusher in Australia and New Zealand.
Over its 100+ year history, GrainCorp has created a global supply chain with high quality infrastructure assets that store, process and facilitate the transportation of grains and edible oils.
For more information, visit: www.graincorp.com.au
About Nutrien Ag Solutions
Feeding the world is at the heart of agriculture’s purpose and an undertaking Nutrien takes very seriously as one of the world’s largest providers of crop inputs and farm services.
Their team of 4000 ag professionals are located across every corner of Australia, providing advice and solutions that support the productivity and sustainability of farmers.
For more information on Nutrien’s Farm Emissions Profile service, visit: www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/sustainability
