• Project promotes the implementation of regenerative practices in the cultivation of nine essential products within FIFCO’s supply chain.

As part of its strategy to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and its Expansive Sustainability philosophy, FIFCO implemented a new sustainable agriculture initiative in 2024. The project targets suppliers and producers of essential agricultural raw materials within the company’s supply chain.

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, due to the use of fertilizers, land management, and the potential deforestation it often involves. At the same time, it is one of the activities most impacted by climate variation. For that reason, the Sustainable Agricultural Practices Program becomes a key component of FIFCO’s climate adaptation plan, whose food and beverage production depends directly on agriculture.

Through the initiative, the company joins efforts with about 20 producers and suppliers of agricultural raw materials for the implementation of regenerative and climate-resilient practices. Under this approach, priority is given to reducing emissions, soil conservation, efficient water management, responsible use of pesticides and the well-being of workers; key elements for protecting agricultural ecosystems and generating a positive impact on rural communities.

The program focuses on nine products: malt, wheat, sugar, tomatoes, beans, apples, pears, corn and tea.

These inputs are grown in eleven countries in Europe, Asia and America, including Canada, the United States, Chile and Argentina. Also, Costa Rica and Guatemala, where the sugar used in the production of beverages is obtained.

From diagnosis to action

The first step of this project consisted of developing a tool to assess the level of sustainability and resilience of agricultural suppliers. This tool evaluates critical aspects such as air quality, soil conservation, pest and waste management, biodiversity, energy and fair employment.

Currently, FIFCO is working hand in hand with suppliers in the diagnosis to identify risks and opportunities for improvement in each case.

By 2025, the design and implementation of action plans aimed at achieving the highest levels of environmental, social and governance performance in the agricultural activity is foreseen.

“Agriculture is one of the activities most vulnerable to climate change and, in turn, a source to be considered in the emission of greenhouse gases. At FIFCO, we are committed to supporting our suppliers in the transition to a more sustainable agriculture, helping them to innovate and implement practices that not only reduce emissions, but also strengthen their resilience to climate impacts,” said Maria Pia Robles, FIFCO’s Corporate Relations Director.

The promotion of sustainable agricultural practices generates multiple benefits for communities and the environment:

• Conservation of natural resources, including soil, water and biodiversity.
• Mitigation of climate change impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing adaptive capacity.
• Increased productivity and profitability of agricultural activity by improving soil quality and preventing crop pests and diseases.
• Improved health and quality of life for farmers and their families by reducing exposure to harmful agrochemicals.
• Increased consumer access to safe, healthy and nutritious food that contributes to their well-being.

This initiative is one more effort by the company to integrate its entire value chain in its vision of expansive sustainability, which relies on creativity, collaboration and innovation to generate positive and lasting changes.