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Systemic view of the entire chain enhances results
By Cargill and Estadão Blue Studio
The world’s main consumer markets are increasingly demanding, which means that the entire production chain will need to demonstrate existing sustainable practices in agriculture.
This is why the 3S Program, created by Cargill in 2010 in South America, is an initiative that can serve as a guide for the sector as a whole. The idea is based on the concept that supporting producers in the evolution of social, environmental and productive indicators on their property will, overall, accelerate the sustainability of an entire region.
In 2022, the numbers generated by the program indicate that there was a 19% increase, compared to the previous year, in the volume of 3S soybeans throughout Brazil. The growth, according to Cargill, responds to market demand and is aligned with a series of activities that the company has developed to support a deforestation-free production chain and more sustainable production.
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Based on regular visits and technical assistance, the 3S Program checks five main points: sustainable land use, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), community relations and human rights, continuous improvement and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Sails at sea
Leaving the production line itself, when we talk about literally looking at the chain as a whole, we cannot ignore the processes linked to logistics issues. As agriculture uses, in addition to land transport, many very long maritime transport routes, the type of fuel that will move ships around the world also becomes fundamental.
Therefore, the arrival of Pyxis Ocean at the Port of Paranaguá, on the ship’s first voyage, is full of importance and symbolism. The vessel is the first cargo ship to cross the oceans using the force of the wind, combining energy efficiency with a lower impact on carbon emissions.
The technology on board the ship is the result of cooperative work between Cargill, BAR Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation and Yara Marine Technologies. It is the first cutting-edge wind propulsion system used in commercial shipping.
The use of the energy that comes with the winds — and, at sea, these tend to blow strongly — is achieved through two technological sails up to 37.5 meters high that can be installed on the deck. The use of technology has the potential to save up to 30% of fuel on new vessels, a reduction that can be even greater when combined with alternative fuels.
Brazil was chosen for Pyxis Ocean’s first trip due to the country’s key role in the global production of food such as soybeans, corn and other commodities. The ship loaded soybean meal, a national product with added value widely used in animal feed, to be unloaded in Poland.
By closing the cycle — that is, from production to transportation and back to raw materials — the energy used in Cargill’s own factories is also in a new phase. In many of the company’s plants, biomass has become an important source of renewable energy. Systems for the minimum generation of solid and gaseous waste rely on high technology for monitoring and controlling biomass combustion.
Still regarding the use of renewable energy for the production of inputs, Cargill expanded business with Omega Energia, through a partnership in a wind farm in Bahia to supply manufacturing units throughout Brazil. The infrastructure resulting from the agreement is under construction in the cities of Xique-Xique and Gentio do Ouro. The complex, scheduled to open in January 2025, will house the Assuruá 5 plants (I and III), with an installed capacity of 81.2 megawatts (MW).
“Cargill’s purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. For many years, we have invested in all links in the chain to guarantee, in partnership with Brazilian producers, sustainable food and fuels to supply consumer markets around the world”, says Paulo Sousa, president of Cargill in Brazil.