Global food specialist Cargill has adopted real-time, satellite-powered deforestation risk monitoring, powered by geospatial sustainability company Satelligence.
The satellite sensors are set to identify deforestation risks and breaches across Cargill’s global soy, palm oil, and cocoa supply chains. It will provide daily updates across geographies, as well as help the company track its Scope 3 emissions.
As a 160,000-large company operating worldwide, Cargill says it is “uniquely positioned” to lead the transformation of the food system to meet global challenges.
“At Cargill, we understand that mitigating the impact of climate change is crucial to global food security, and protecting vital ecosystems plays a central role,” said global impact data, analytics and technology lead, Matt Wood. “That is why as a company we are laser-focused on deforestation- and conversation-free initiatives.”
This comes after the company faced its first-ever legal challenge in the US, set in motion by a failure to curb deforestation and human rights abuses in its Brazil soya supply chain.
Satellite solutions for efficient supply chain monitoring
According to Satelligence CEO and founder Niels Wielaard, the system will “unburden” and “empower” F&B companies in achieving their sustainable sourcing and climate targets.
“The system uses the latest AI and machine learning techniques to enhance the quality of input imagery and rapidly and accurately process these images into information on the distribution of crops and deforestation incidences worldwide,” Wielaard told Food Ingredients First.
Satelligence’s solutions are informed by open-sourced, science-based methodologies certified by Ernst & Young. It promises reduced data overload to forest baseline, supply chain data incorporation, and smart filters, “giving visibility” into companies’ supply chain relations.
Satellite-powered systems are being increasingly incorporated throughout the food industry. In April, Nestlé announced that it is piloting new cutting-edge satellite technology to further reforestation efforts.
It will tap into high-resolution images from Airbus’s new Pléiades Neo satellite to ensure planted trees continue to thrive in the long term, as well as demonstrate the company’s reduction of carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
In utilizing satellite technology, Cargill hopes to end deforestation in its supply chains by 2030.
Cargill CEO: Partnerships and other efforts are “business critical”
Earlier this month, Cargill signed a three-year contract with climate technology company ZeroNorth. The partnership, which began in 2020, will see ZeroNorth provide software for the optimization of over 600 vessels and voyages, driving efficiencies and cutting emissions in the process.
Another collaboration with NeoSpectra will see the on-site analysis of forages, feeds, and feed ingredients in dairy farms. This utilizes advanced spectroscopy techniques and machine learning to provide accurate and reliable data to farmers, consultants, and nutritionists, helping them increase yield and efficiency in the field.
Meanwhile, partnerships with Brazilian non-profits are set to improve access to clean water and build community resilience in critical areas. It forms part of Cargill’s global commitment to address local water challenges.
This falls in line with the company’s sustainability strategy as detailed in its 2022 ESG report.
“To fulfill our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way, Cargill is continuing to embrace the power of strategic partnerships,” said board chair and CEO David MacLennan.
This includes “working hand-in-hand with our customers, farmers, governments, NGOs, and even our competitors — to drive industry-wide impact on some of the most pressing issues facing people and the planet.”
MacLennan added that these and other efforts are “business critical”.
“Our ability to safely and sustainably nourish a growing population into the future will depend on how we execute new and disruptive thinking, uncommon partnerships, and truly innovative solutions.”
