In addition to the economic benefits, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices has a positive impact on the terrestrial carbon balance, thus helping to reduce the impact of climate change. Diego Durazo, director of sustainability at Danone, explained that thanks to the training and modernization programs, the producers have achieved water savings of up to 36% in the processes, which also translates into electricity savings, since requires pumping less fluid.
Durazo said the program, which provides farm workers with training and access to technology, has also led to a 35% increase in farmer income and more consistent yields with less shrinkage.
The program has an internal team and another that is in charge of monitoring the field and provides specific training according to the needs of the producers and the agricultural techniques that are implemented, such as drip irrigation.
“Projects of this type work to the extent that the results are measurable, tangible and have an impact on the pockets of producers,” says the manager.
Danone’s Mother Earth project is just one example of how companies are taking action to address this global challenge.
Bimbo wants to be a regenerative company
Bimbo, the world’s largest bakery company, has joined the regenerative agriculture movement with a program that is already in operation in 86,000 hectares of plantations in Mexico and the United States, working with 550 producers. The general director and president of Grupo Bimbo, Daniel Sertvitje, pointed out that the company expects that by the year 2050, all the ingredients used in the manufacture of its crops come from land cultivated with regenerative practices.
According to Sertvitje, around 60% of Bimbo’s environmental impact comes from agriculture, so they are now looking to work with growers who have a new approach to cultivating their fields, with less environmental impact. Grupo Bimbo has committed to taking a clearer position regarding social, environmental and governance responsibilities. The Mexican businessman acknowledged that there is still a lot to be done, but declared that the model on which they are basing themselves is to become a company oriented to regenerate.
“The world demands and demands that we have a clearer position in the social, environmental and governance issues ”, said the Mexican businessman, during his participation in the ESG Mexico Summit 2023, on March 29.