Retail company Woolworths has launched a Farming for the Future campaign, with the aim of encouraging farmers to implement regenerative farming practices.
By partnering with farmers who adopt restorative practices, Woolworths seeks to amplify its impact and foster a community of agricultural innovators, committed to stewarding the land for future generations, says Woolworths chief food technology and sustainability officer Latiefa Behardien.
The company partners with suppliers that are open to using or already using regenerative farming methods and thereby has significantly reduced reliance on industrial fertilisers made from fossil fuels.
"Through our Farming for the Future campaign, we aim to leverage our experience in regenerative farming to drive change and meaningful progress across the industry towards a more sustainable food system," says Behardien.
For example, by making compost from weeds, transportation needs are minimised and water is conserved, which are two steps towards demonstrating sustainability and environmental stewardship.
One of the key pillars of the campaign is the focus on cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
By adopting regenerative farming practices, farmers can play a pivotal role in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and safeguarding the planet. Through initiatives such as composting alien plants and reducing reliance on petroleum-based fertilisers, Farming for the Future offers tangible solutions to combating climate change at a grassroots level, she explains.
"We believe the future of farming lies in regenerative practices that nurture the land, support biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
"Through the implementation of these practices, our customers can be confident that Woolworths has taken steps on everyone’s behalf to help shape a more resilient and sustainable future for all," she says.
Additionally, as part of the campaign, Woolworths has introduced an immersive digital experience that is designed to educate, inspire and empower audiences worldwide.
The digital platform offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture and showcases innovative farming practices and how they work while also offering practical tools for sustainable farming.
The Farming for the Future campaign is part of the company's Good Business Journey, and aims to encourage agriculture transformation.
"We recognise the urgent need for transformative action in agriculture to address climate change and ensure the well-being of generations to come," says Behardien.
Farming for the Future is part of the journey towards a more sustainable food system.