A sustainable approach to agriculture is fundamental to maintaining a healthy, productive and peaceful global society. Viterra’s perspective on agriculture extends beyond any single growing season and recognizes the long-term need to maintain and increase production of healthy food ingredients from multiple points of origin.  To ensure that farmers can continue to grow enough food ingredients to meet the increasing global demand, Viterra supports growers in their efforts to reduce soil erosion, protect arable land, and conserve water and other essential nutrients.  In part we have done this by making significant investments in seed research and development in Western Canada.  This research allows us to offer the top seed varieties and the best seed selection to our customers.  

Viterra also has more than 225 agronomists and certified crop advisors in Western Canada who encourage and help our farm customers exercise good environmental stewardship.  These experts help farmers assess soil fertility, choose optimum seed varieties, identify ways to maximize yields, and stay abreast of farming best practices and innovations that will minimize environmental impacts on their land. 

In addition to encouraging our farmer customers to adopt sustainable, high-yield agricultural practices, Viterra has also introduced several successful programs that promote sustainable farming practices, such as Viterra’s Carbon Credit program, and our Variable Rate Technology program.  These programs provide education and financial incentives to growers who invest in sustainable farming methods and technologies. 

Viterra’s Carbon Credit program rewards growers financially for using no-till (or reduced-till) farming practices.  These practices

• retain moisture in the soil
  
• reduce erosion
  
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon within the soil.
  

Viterra has now purchased 1,000,000 Carbon Credit offsets from farmers.  This means that the equivalent of 1,000,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide has been captured in the soil instead of being released into the atmosphere.

Viterra’s Variable Rate Technology program also encourages farmers to use environmental best practices by enabling farmers to apply fertilizer strategically.  Soil tests, GPS equipment, and fertilizer application technology work together to allow growers in the program to apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer to target field zones.  Increased efficiencies in fertilizer minimize the environmental impacts of agricultural production by reducing emissions of nitrous oxide (N²O), a potent greenhouse gas.

Viterra is exploring similar programs in Australia and New Zealand, as we continue to make investments in the research and development of new seed varieties.

Visit our Sustainability News page to read more about Viterra's recent sustainability efforts.