Oatly, the renowned vegan milk brand, is shifting its focus towards regenerative agriculture with its new initiative called F.A.R.M. (Future Agriculture Renovation Movement). Going beyond sustainable practices, the Swedish plant-based brand aims to encourage and embrace regenerative farming methods.
Regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in improving soil health, a key factor in minimizing the environmental impact of the food system. Currently, agriculture is responsible for approximately one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions globally. By adopting regenerative practices and nurturing the land, agriculture can help sequester carbon, provided the soil is in good condition.
Modern farming techniques such as excessive plowing, tilling, and monocropping can lead to soil degradation and depletion worldwide, resulting in a lack of plant diversity.
Through F.A.R.M., Oatly supports farms in transitioning to regenerative practices. The brand's pilot scheme, Oats for Oatly, has already incentivized corn and soy farmers in the US to incorporate oats as a third crop in their rotation.
Crop rotation enhances soil health by harnessing the benefits of different crops. Some crops draw nitrogen from the soil, while others fix nitrogen, ultimately boosting nutrient content. Additionally, cover crops like oats protect soil health, preventing erosion and runoff during crop production cycles.
Oatly has been committed to transforming the food industry for years, evident through initiatives such as product climate labels.
The brand aims to reduce its beverage's climate footprint by at least 70% per liter by 2029 through the F.A.R.M. initiative. It also aims to improve ecosystem health, enhance farmer livelihoods, contribute to climate solutions, and source 100% of its strategic ingredients from sustainable agricultural production.
By embracing regenerative agriculture, Oatly aims to improve soil health, agricultural practices, and the livelihoods of farmers, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich
Categories: New York, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sustainable Agriculture