Businesses in all sectors are facing growing expectations to embrace sustainable practices, and the food and beverage industry is no exception.
Beyond reducing waste and conserving resources, decarbonization has emerged as a key component of these efforts. From integrating renewable energy sources and optimizing transportation routes to investing in energy-efficient technologies and carbon offset initiatives, environmentally conscious approaches now encompass a broad range of strategies aimed at lowering emissions. By implementing advanced technologies and innovative strategies, it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.
PES Carbon Agro: Launch of the methodology
As a global leader in citrus production, Citrosuco is committed to addressing climate change. In partnership with Reservas Votorantim and ECCON Soluções Ambientais, we created the PES Carbon Agro Perennial initiative, which values Brazil’s native vegetation and highlights the role of perennial crops in climate mitigation.
Recognizing the need to reward environmental service providers, Citrosuco encouraged ECCON to expand the Payments for Environmental Services (PES) model to include productive areas, especially those with perennial crops. Developed by ECCON’s technical team, with contributions from Reservas Votorantim, the methodology allows rural properties to quantify and monetize their role in reducing carbon emissions.
The PES Carbon Agro Perennial methodology was officially launched during New York Climate Week, one of the most significant global gatherings on climate action. Being part of this prestigious event, where world leaders, NGOs, and civil society come together to discuss strategies for mitigating climate change, reaffirms our commitment to the future we envision.
This opportunity to present our methodology on a global stage highlights its capacity to adapt both national and international techniques to the Brazilian context. It enables farms with perennial crops to participate in PES projects, fostering sustainable practices that preserve native vegetation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The PES Carbon Agro Perennial initiative is designed to create a systemic approach that addresses the following:
- Remunerating landowners who provide environmental services by generating or enhancing ecosystem services on their properties.
- Meeting market demands for climate action, including GHG emissions neutralization, sustainable food production, biodiversity conservation, carbon stock preservation, and other benefits generated by PES.
Through a public methodology, in compliance with the public PES law, this is a nature-based solution that offers the market the possibility of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions with integrity and governance.
