Chiquita has announced the launch of a programme to reduce carbon emissions in its operations by 30 per cent by the end of 2030.
The company said that its “30BY30” programme made it the first global fruit company whose progress and goals would be independently checked and verified by the SBTi (Science Based Target Initiative).
'In early 2020, we commissioned a Carbon Footprint Study to identify the key areas of focus for carbon emission reduction in line with the Treaty of Paris,' Chiquita stated. 'This paved the way to engage with the SBTi to ensure an independent review of our stated goals and progress. We feel progress against our goals, or indeed any shortfall, should be monitored.'
According to the company, its detailed roadmap to 2030 includes clear objectives to reduce energy consumption. These include shifting to greener electricity using solar panels and wind turbines, replacing diesel with biofuels or electric vehicles and reducing nitrogenous emissions from fertilisers.
The carbon initiative forms part of Chiquita's overall approach to tackling climate change under its Behind the Blue Sticker sustainability plan.
'Farming in Central America for over 120 years, we witness that our climate is changing,' the company stated. 'Global warming brings erratic rainfall, hurricanes and flooding, which negatively impact the livelihoods of our employees, their families and the communities where they live, as well as consistent product availability for our customers and consumers.
'Through our Farmers’ Code programme and with systematic farm rejuvenation and re-engineering we are making them as carbon efficient as possible. With our Being a Good Neighbour programme, we invest in the social infrastructure of communities, undertake reforestation and protect biodiversity through community projects. Our Nogal wildlife corridor in Costa Rica and the San San Pond Sak wetlands project in Panama are two longstanding examples. As part of the For the Greater Good programme we hope that our “30BY30” will inspire others in the industry to follow with their own science-based carbon reduction targets.'
