Lantmännen continues to make progress for the agriculture of the future
Farming of the Future is Lantmännen's vision and strategy for sustainable, productive and profitable agriculture, with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In 2024, several important steps were taken toward this goal, as summarized in a yearbook launched today. One of the most significant milestones of the year was achieving a large-scale fossil-free harvest, making Lantmännen likely the first in the world to achieve large-scale fossil-free food production.
Since the strategy Farming of the Future was launched in 2019, Lantmännen has focused on critical areas in both crop production and animal production, where efforts along the entire value chain are required to enable a sustainable transition. Progress is summarised annually in a yearbook and is based on four areas: knowledge, evidence, offer and collaboration.
One of the most significant advances in 2024 is the achievement of a fossil-free harvest on a large scale. An important milestone in Lantmännen's work to reduce the climate footprint throughout the food chain and which will probably make Lantmännen the first in the world with large-scale fossil-free food production. Lantmännen's Climate & Nature cultivation programme has continued to develop with more partners joining and has been strengthened with additional measures that benefit biodiversity.
"In a time when many sustainability initiatives are being slowed down or questioned, I am proud that Lantmännen continues to make significant progress on the road to climate-neutral agriculture by 2050. Through the Farming of the Future concept, we work purposefully to both increase production and reduce climate impact, while at the same time contributing to strengthening profitability of the farmers," says Magnus Kagevik, CEO of Lantmännen.
In 2024, two important reports were published on Swedish livestock production: one on fossil-free beef production and one on the future of pig production. Both reports highlight how these industries can reduce their climate impact in line with the Paris Agreement today, while increasing production and profitability, and maintaining animal welfare.
Lantmännen has also initiated several new collaborations and initiatives. A new partnership at Framtidsgården Viken with Arla focuses on the future of milk production. Additionally, Scan Sweden launched a new sustainability supplement to support farmers who implement climate-promoting measures.
Lantmännen has also continued to expand the Climate & Nature cultivation programme in the Nordic region. In 2024, Lantmännen became the first in Finland to introduce the use of fossil-free fertilizer through the program. At the same time, a major step was taken in Denmark, where the first Climate & Nature harvest was contracted, covering 795 hectares of rye.
"We have a clear path forward and know that it is possible to achieve our goal, which we have already proven – not least through a fossil-free harvest on a large scale. We are also pleased to see how our Climate & Nature cultivation programme is growing and making an impact in the Nordic region. But we are not done yet – the next step is for the entire food chain to take responsibility for scaling up the sustainable solutions that are now available," says Claes Johansson, Head of Sustainability at Lantmännen.
Progress in focus in 2024:
- In 2024, a historic milestone was reached with the implementation of a fossil-free harvest on a large scale, which means that Lantmännen is likely to be the first in the world with large-scale fossil-free food production.
- A new collaboration with Arla was initiated at Framtidsgården Viken, where the focus is on developing more sustainable milk production.
- Lantmännen's Climate & Nature cultivation programme was further strengthened with new criteria to benefit biodiversity.
- During the year, Coop joined an oatmeal product under its own brand to the Climate & Nature cultivation programme.
- Lantmännen Ceralia had its climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Read the full 2024 yearbook here:
https://www.lantmannen.se/globalassets/framtidens-jordbruk_arsbok-2024.pdf
For more information, please contact:
Lantmännen's Press Office
Tel: +46 10 556 88 00
E-mail: press@lantmannen.com
About Lantmännen
Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. Owned by 18,000 Swedish farmers, we have 12,000 employees, operations in over 20 countries and an annual turnover of approximately SEK 70 billion. With grain at the heart of our operations, we refine arable land resources to make farming thrive. Some of our best-known food brands are AXA, Kungsörnen, Scan, GoGreen, FINN CRISP, Schulstad and Vaasan. Our company is founded on the knowledge and values acquired through generations of farmers. With research, development and operations throughout the value chain, together we take responsibility from field to fork. For more information: www.lantmannen.com
