Key Takeaways
- Eco-friendly Initiative: Reitan Retail, Norgesmøllene, Felleskjøpet Agri, and Yara have partnered to produce oat-based bread with a lower carbon footprint.
- Innovative Fertilizers: Using mineral fertilizers produced through electrolysis and renewable energy is central to this initiative, aiming to reduce oat production’s carbon footprint by 25-30%.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Adopting better agronomic practices and precision farming tools to enhance sustainability in food production.
- Availability to Consumers: This environmentally friendly bread will be available in REMA 1000 stores by 2025.
- Broader Industry Impact: The project represents a significant step in reducing emissions in the Norwegian food production sector and could set a precedent for future sustainable food initiatives.
Collaboration for Lower Carbon Footprint
Reitan Retail, Norgesmøllene, Felleskjøpet Agri, and Yara have collaborated to produce sustainable bread made from Norwegian oats. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to reduce emissions across the Norwegian food chain, from fertilizer production to the final food products.
Utilizing Renewable Energy in Fertilizer Production
A vital aspect of this initiative is using mineral fertilizers produced using electrolysis and renewable energy. This innovative approach is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of oat production by 25-30% compared to traditional methods.
Enhanced Agricultural Practices
The collaboration also focuses on adopting better agronomic practices and leveraging precision farming tools. These practices aim to improve sustainability in food production, ensuring that the agricultural methods used are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Product Availability and Consumer Reach
The culmination of this effort is the production of oat-based bread, which is set to be available in REMA 1000’s stores across Norway by 2025. This initiative contributes to a more sustainable environment and meets the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
Driving Change in the Food Value Chain
The collaboration among these four companies represents a significant portion of Norway’s grain food value chain. This comprehensive approach, from fertilizer production to the delivery of finished goods, demonstrates a holistic strategy to reduce carbon footprint in the food industry.
Leadership Statements
Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in reducing the food system’s global emissions. Similarly, Ole Robert Reitan, CEO of Reitan Retail, highlights the necessity of cross-value chain collaboration to achieve significant results in carbon footprint reduction.
Felleskjøpet, representing Norwegian farmers, and Norgesmøllene, a leading producer of flour and grain products, also echo these sentiments, underlining the importance of cooperation and sustainability in the industry.
Future Prospects and Industry Template
This project aims to introduce sustainable food products and serve as a template for other companies in the food value chain. The goal is to create a ripple effect, encouraging other industry players to adopt similar sustainable practices.
Consumer Demand for Sustainable Food
According to a European survey by IPSOS for Yara, a significant portion of Norwegians support initiatives to reduce emissions in food production. This growing consumer demand for sustainable food options underscores the timeliness and relevance of this collaborative effort.
Company Profiles
Yara
Yara, a leader in sustainable crop nutrition, focuses on feeding the world responsibly and protecting the planet. With a history dating back to 1905, Yara has a global presence and is committed to a nature-positive food future.
Reitan Retail
Reitan Retail, a major player in the Nordic and Baltic retail sector, operates several well-known brands, including REMA 1000. The company strives to simplify everyday life while contributing positively to the world.
Felleskjøpet Agri
Owned by around 37,500 farmers, Felleskjøpet Agri is a crucial supplier of technology and equipment to Norwegian agriculture, playing a vital role in grain market regulation and cooperative purchasing and sales.
Norgesmøllene
Norgesmøllene, a leading food company in Norway, specializes in grain and flour-based products. Its history dates back to 1866 and focuses on sustainable, high-quality food products.
The collaboration between Reitan Retail, Norgesmøllene, Felleskjøpet Agri, and Yara marks a significant step towards sustainable food production in Norway. By leveraging innovative technologies and practices, this initiative addresses environmental concerns and meets the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. As a model for future sustainability efforts in the food industry, this project holds the potential to inspire and catalyze change across the globe.
Image provided by Yara