JBS, a prominent player in the food production industry, has joined numerous other companies in making a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pledge was made at the UN Climate Summit during COP28. The company was not alone in this endeavor as several governments also expressed their intent to prioritize food and agriculture in their efforts to cut down emissions, according to a report from Food Drive.
According to Food Dive, JBS plans to utilize its procurement power to transition towards sustainably-produced farming products. This strategy forms part of an agreement with the World Economic Forum and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the First Movers Coalition for Food and its member companies have pledged to increase demand for low carbon commodities.
Food Dive further reported that when it comes to methane emission in the dairy industry, several major corporations including Kraft Heinz, Lactalis USA, Nestle, Danone, General Mills, and Bel Group have committed to disclose methane emissions within their supply chains. The Dairy Methane Action Alliance aims to establish a new model of transparency and support farmers in their endeavors to reduce methane emissions.
The United Nations highlighted in a publication focusing on food and climate change that agriculture and land use are significant contributors of greenhouse gas emissions within the food industry. These range from methane released by cattle to nitrous oxide used in fertilizers and carbon dioxide resulting from deforestation. The publication also underscored that food waste management, industrial processes, refrigeration and transportation of food contribute significantly towards greenhouse gas emissions. It further detailed that beef production tops the list of foods and farming methods that generate the most greenhouse gases.
The UN document suggested adopting plant-rich diets due to their lower emission levels compared with animal-based foods. It recommended embracing alternative proteins and implementing changes in agricultural practices for those who continue consuming animal products as these could help reduce methane produced by cows. Another suggested measure was reducing food waste as a means of cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Food Dive, the Bezos Earth Fund and over 15 other philanthropic organizations have also pledged to invest in food and transforming food systems. These pledges amount to a collective funding of $5 billion aimed at facilitating food system transformation.