Fazer supports the training of Finnish farmers to increase regenerative carbon farming

Fazer contributes to the training of Finnish farmers to increase carbon sequestration through regenerative farming. The aim is to make farming more sustainable by promoting the transformation of Finnish farmland from sources of carbon into carbon sinks. The training for farmers will be provided as a free online course developed in cooperation by the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) and its stakeholder network and the software company Reaktor.

As a significant user of grains, Fazer bears its responsibility for developing sustainable farming and has promoted sustainable farming practices for years. The carbon farming online course designed for farmers starting in February 2021 is a project that relies on Baltic Sea Action Group’s Carbon Action programme, and the course is based on the internationally acclaimed Elements of AI online course by Reaktor and the University of Helsinki. Fazer joined the Carbon Action programme in 2019. The purpose of the programme is to identify ways to expedite the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to fields and promote regenerative farming.

The implementation of regenerative carbon farming is a concrete action that has been proved effective in decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. It can be used to help mitigate climate change and safeguard the preservation of biodiversity. Carbon farming improves the quality of the soil and crops as well as decreases the need for fertilisation and the use of pesticides, which also improves the profitability of farming.

The purpose of the training provided as a comprehensive online course is to increase awareness and encourage farmers to start regenerative carbon farming, even one field sector at a time. The course is free of charge and includes about 60 hours of studying.

“Most of Fazer’s carbon dioxide emissions comes from the ingredients we use. In addition to decreasing our own emissions, we must contribute to decreasing emissions throughout our value chain. We’re happy and proud to support the training of Finnish farmers to increase carbon farming,” says Sari Sarin, Head of Sustainability at Fazer Group.

Supporting the online course as part of Fazer’s Grain Vision and sustainability goals

Sustainability is an integral part of Fazer’s strategy. One of the key goals of Fazer’s sustainability work is to decrease emissions by 50% by 2030. In 2013, Fazer developed the Grain Vision with the objective of reducing the eutrophication of our inland waters and the Baltic Sea, protecting biodiversity and the cultivability of soil, and minimising the use of chemicals in farming. The Grain Vision is implemented through ten principles of sustainable grain farming.

“Food production and consumption have a major impact on the environment, and on society and wellbeing. Developing the food system and changes in consumption habits play a key role in combating climate change. Supporting the online course on regenerative carbon farming to be launched in February will be incorporated as a natural part of Fazer’s Grain Vision and sustainability goals,” Sarin continues.

Fazer’s other core sustainability goals for 2030 are 50% less food waste, 100% sustainably sourced and more plant-based.

Regenerative carbon farming:

Regenerative carbon farming refers to a number of methods that can used on different farms. The methods have many advantages:

• Cultivated plants sequester carbon from the atmosphere into the soil through their roots.
• The soil’s natural vitality recovers, soil fertility is strengthened, and crops’ resilience improves.
• Nutrient flows from fields diminish, which will decrease the eutrophication of lakes and the Baltic Sea.
• Fewer mineral fertilisers are needed. 
   

Useful links:

www.uudistavaviljely.fi/
www.fazergroup.com/sustainability/
www.fazergroup.com/sustainability/planet/sustainable-farming-principles/

Further information:

Anniina Niemistö, Communications Director, Fazer Bakery Finland, anniina.niemisto@fazer.com, tel. +358 40 674 4672
Sari Sarin, Head of Sustainability, Fazer Group, sari.sarin@fazer.com, tel. +358 50 599 4980
The Fazer media phone line is open Mon–Fri from 8 am to 4 pm, tel. +358 40 668 2998, media@fazer.com

Fazer Group

Fazer, The Food Experience Company, enables people to enjoy the best moments of their day. In 1891, the young Karl Fazer opened his first café with a mission to make food with a purpose – and a passion to create moments of joy for all the people around him. Shaping the next tastes, traditions and food experiences, Fazer is going Towards Perfect Days. Fazer wants people to experience the Northern Magic it creates and builds on its strong heritage, consumer first approach and innovations to create the sustainable food solutions of the future. The Group focuses on fast-moving consumer goods, operates in eight countries and exports to around 40 countries. In 2019, Fazer Group had net sales of 1.1 billion euros and almost 9,000 employees. Fazer’s operations comply with ethical principles that are based on the Group’s values and the UN Global Compact.

Northern Magic. Made Real.       

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