The Connected Collective: Regenerative Agriculture Through Collective Action

Together with our Südzucker beet farmers, we have been working for decades to make cultivation more sustainable. Agriculture is undergoing significant changes due to climate change, societal demands and rising operational costs.

The need for operational and technical support, financial incentives, and assurances of a premium is critical for encouraging sustainable practices, especially on small farms. Making farming more resilient to these risks is a collective responsibility involving the entire value chain.  

That´s why we founded THE CONNECTED COLLECTIVE

The Connected Collective: Supporting Regenerative Farming Practices

Comprehensive programme by Südzucker
To support our farmers in implementing regenerative cultivation methods.
Transparency and actionable strategies
Backed by scientific evidence of our outcomes.
Step-by-step process approach
With the aim to maintain consistent yields and improve the carbon footprint of our operations.

What customers can expect

Insights into on-farm emissions

Data collection

Reduced carbon footprint

Progress tracking

Proven actions on Scope 3 emissions

Investments and knowledge transfer

What customers can expect

Insights into on-farm emissions

Data collection

Reduced carbon footprint

Progress tracking

Proven actions on Scope 3 emissions

Investments and knowledge transfer

Our understanding of regenerative agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a measure-based, outcome-oriented approach to farming that focuses on protecting and improving soil health, biodiversity, water and climate resources, while ensuring the farm’s overall productivity and profitability. This approach contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions from sugar beet cultivation, as one major outcome of this environmental impact area.

Our actions are targeted where we can make the most significant difference.

Context specific

Regenerative Agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Holistic

It also addresses socioeconomic objectives by improving farm resilience and profitability over the long term.

CO₂ reduction or removal are a result of these farming practices.

Training

Training and knowledge sharing are important elements of Südzucker´s ‘The Connected Collective’ initiative.

Action-
based,
outcome-
oriented

It contributes to securing the supply of agricultural raw materials in the appropriate quality and quantity.

To achieve
Net plus

Agriculture as a primary driver for the regeneration of improved ecosystems, leading to further benefits such as enhanced soil fertility and increased biodiversity.

Our goal is to give back more than we take.

Moving Forward
Regenerative Agriculture

Context-specific improvement paths
Transparent, evidence-based measures to achieve a net positive impact
Promoting natural soil fertility
Better understanding of CO₂ emissions from beet cultivation
Application of regenerative agriculture principles without impacting profitability

Our six key principles

Focused on the farmers, their needs and challenges, these principles are part of the fundament of our approach to regenerative agriculture:

Maintenance of year-round soil cover whenever possible

Protecting soil and enhancing its health by adapting cover to local conditions and crops, focusing on maintaining and increasing organic matter.

Reduced tillage intensity

Optimising soil conditions for plant development and root growth, enhancing soil tilth and activity, maintaining humus content, and adjusting tillage based on crop needs and local conditions.

Fertilisation adapted to location and crop

Matching fertilisation closely with soil conditions and crop requirements to ensure efficient nutrient use.

Optimised cultivation with limited inputs

Optimising cultivation by tailoring inputs like fertilisers and plant protectants to the specific needs of the crop and site conditions.

Fostering of biodiversity inside and outside the cultivated areas

Enhancing the diversity of flora and fauna both within and surrounding cultivated areas.

Involvement of Südzucker farmers

Engaging farmers actively in developing sustainable sugar beet cultivation practices that increase crop resilience, thereby strengthening regional agriculture and economy.

Four-step process:
analyse, set goals, take action, measure

To measure the impact of regenerative agriculture, we follow a four-step process. This structured approach ensures we can track improvements in climate, soil, water and biodiversity, aligning with our own and our customers sustainability targets.

1.

Context analysis

Completing a context analysis and identifying the primary risk criteria in a production area.

2.

Outcome Selection

Selecting outcomes to report performance against the most material risk criteria in at least two impact areas.

3.

Practice Adaptation

Selecting and adapting practices to improve performance on selected outcomes.

4.

Monitor and Assess Progress

Reporting improved performance against outcomes in at least two impact areas.

Get in Touch

Would you like to learn more about our specific sustainability commitments, goals and KPIs? Stay tuned for more publications or contact us directly:

Geert Van Aelst, Head of Sustainability, Südzucker Sugar Division

geert.vanaelst@suedzuckergroup.com

Contact me

Latest Download Material

Partnering in Regenerative Farming

Find out how regenerative agriculture measures can contribute to CO2 emission reductions and get to know the Sugar Division´s Connected Collective Initiative ...

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