We all bear corporate responsibility. Every day. Because we know exactly where, when, and to whom or what we are accountable: for the quality of our products, for our employees and farmers, for nature, and for the region. That is why we monitor our raw materials and products far more stringently than required by law. We practice food safety around the clock, not just in our minds, but with every move we make and in every corner of our milling companies. A wide variety of sustainability projects exemplify that, as a milling group, we are not only committed to sustainability, but also live it every day. The future of our mills is green.
Green fertilizer for significant CO2 reduction
The joint cooperation between Yara Germany and Harry-Brot in August 2023 will mark the start of a massive reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of green fertilizer. Norwegian ammonia produced from hydroelectric power will be processed in Rostock – we will achieve significant CO2 reductions at full capacity from the field to the baked goods. The key feature? Instead of using fossil fuels such as natural gas to produce ammonia, green ammonia will be produced exclusively using renewable energy (e.g., wind, hydroelectric, or solar energy). The result: fertilizers with a CO2 footprint that is up to 90% lower. The aim of the cooperation is to decarbonize the CO2 footprint along the entire food chain. You can find more details in the press release.
More flowering areas to strengthen and preserve biodiversity
The “flowering areas” pilot project was launched in 2019. Some of our partner farmers have created additional flowering areas. In 2020, there were already over 200 hectares nationwide! These flowering areas are created in addition to the legal requirements (catch crop greening). Our agricultural engineers, together with expert farmers, have defined site-specific conditions and appropriate seeds to ensure that the areas are particularly effective for animals and plants. For example, the flowering areas must be several meters wide and remain in place well beyond the harvest period. We naturally cover the costs of the seeds, which are adapted to the respective region, and the cultivation of the areas.