Bayer announced today an expanded approach to its programs that sequester carbon and reduce emissions for companies along the food value chain through regenerative agriculture practices. In addition to helping to reduce these companies’ Scope 3 emissions, “Project Enhanced S3” will include data on benefits from regenerative agriculture practices, such as soil health, more efficient water usage, enhanced biodiversity, and economic support for farmers.
Project Enhanced S3 is currently in development, with the goal of helping companies quantify, measure and report the added value of carbon projects taking place on farms in their supply chain, along with a portal to enable them to more easily access insights.
With an enhanced focus on co-benefits, Bayer Ecosystem Services, the business unit dedicated to developing sustainability solutions for companies with science-based targets, is creating new opportunities for customers to derive value from the vast data required for carbon programs.
Historically, the thousands of data points collected from individual farmers enrolled in the Bayer Carbon Program have been used primarily to understand how field-level practice interventions—such as switching to no-till, strip-till, cover crops, or reduced nitrogen—can sequester and reduce carbon. However, much of that same data may also be contributed by farmers to generate reports related to the co-benefits associated with those activities. The project’s goal is to leverage this data without imposing additional administrative burdens on farmers.
“By leveraging digital farming tools and deep agronomic expertise, Bayer’s Project Enhanced S3 is uniquely positioned to support the food and beverage industry in driving more impact,” said Leonardo Bastos, Senior Vice President of Ecosystem Services at Bayer Crop Science.
“This is yet another way we’re able to measure and quantify the comprehensive benefits for farmers working to reduce global carbon emissions and bring it to scale with our global reach, local presence, and strong relationships.”
Project Enhanced S3 will focus on providing businesses with an additional advantage as they develop sustainability strategies. Bayer’s system of solutions combines agronomic expertise, scientific innovations, and digital farming technology, including the ForGround by Bayer and Climate FieldView™ platforms. These tools will enable sustainability leaders to:
• Thoroughly vet potential solutions
• Demonstrate progress
• Report on the results of their climate investments
Participation in Bayer’s Project Enhanced S3 is now open to a limited number of select business customers and sustainability leaders.
“By participating, businesses can not only support their own climate goals but also help drive sustainability solutions across the food supply chain through regenerative agriculture,” said Bastos.
Read more: Bayer Buys First Carbon Removal Credits From Novocarbo
