Strengthening Focus on Regenerative Agriculture - Investing 5.5 Million Euros

Renova Terra
The name Renova Terra is Latin and can be translated to "Renewal of the Earth". This reflects the purpose of the program, which is being conducted in close collaboration with local farmers. The announced investment reflects the companies' commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

CJ Selecta and Unilever will work with farmers to improve crop yield on existing fields and preserve the original landscape through so-called regenerative agriculture. This has become an important focus area for CJ Selecta. By rotating different types of crops during the growing season, and precisely using fertilizers, nutrients, and equipment, the program aims to better utilize the soil.

- After delivering guaranteed deforestation-free soy for several years, we are now intensifying efforts in regenerative agriculture, says CJ Selecta's sustainability officer, Patricia Sugui.

- We find that sustainability throughout the value chain is becoming a more important requirement in the industry. Feed accounts for the majority of the aquaculture industry's climate footprint and therefore plays a crucial role. Regenerative agriculture will help significantly reduce the climate footprint.

Local production has also been important for CJ Selecta in developing the project. Through the Renova Terra program, the companies aim to collaborate with around 50 soy farmers in the regions of Triângulo Mineiro, Alto Paranaíba, Noroeste de Minas, and Sudoeste Goiano. These are areas where CJ Selecta already operates.

- Our factory is located in Araguari, so we promote local soy production. This has been important for both us and the local farmers. Of the various pilot projects we have conducted, the response from farmers has been exclusively positive. Local production also helps us reduce transport costs and carbon emissions, says Sugui.

CJ Selecta will soon complete the list of partner producers for the five-year program. Each farmer will receive tailored technical support, financial incentives to adopt regenerative practices, and continuous monitoring. It is particularly the continuous monitoring that is time- and capital-intensive.

- In the program, we will prioritize work with measurements and monitoring. We are doing this to learn, ensure development, and provide assistance tailored to each farmer's needs. This is the reason such a program is expensive. At the same time, we strongly believe that the investment is good and right, Sugui expresses.

The implementation will be led by TechnoServe, a non-profit organization active in more than 35 countries and already a partner of Unilever in eight global programs covering a total of 65,000 hectares. An independent third-party consultant will conduct an audit of the program's outcomes concerning carbon emissions, soil health, biodiversity, and the use of pesticides.

Both CJ Selecta and Unilever look forward to sharing results along the way so that others can also benefit from the companies' experiences.