Brown-Forman Champions Regenerative Agriculture
At the heart of Brown-Forman's operations, agriculture plays a pivotal role not just in the production of their celebrated whiskies but in the wellbeing of their environmental and community engagements as well.
Elizabeth McCall, the Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, a part of the Brown-Forman brand portfolio, emphasises the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in its operations.
"From the grain to the barrel, whiskey is an agricultural product that takes time and patience. Taking care of the land is vital to the success of our industry," she notes.
"We are making investments today that may not come to fruition until 70 years from now. This all factors into making the world's finest whiskey.”
This forward-thinking approach underscores the company’s dedication not only to quality but also to sustainable practices.
Embracing Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture stands out as a transformative approach within Brown-Forman’s strategy.
This holistic method is designed to rejuvenate soil health, foster biodiversity, bolster ecosystem functionality and improve economic outcomes for rural communities and farmers. Unlike traditional farming, which often relies on intensive chemical use and may degrade soil quality, regenerative agriculture seeks to enhance and restore the land’s natural fertility and productivity.
By fostering techniques that improve the soil's biological health and contribute to diverse ecosystems where wildlife can thrive, Brown-Forman is not only investing in immediate crop yields but also in the long-term viability of the farming landscapes that supply their raw materials.
Strategic Sustainability Achievements
Recently, Brown-Forman announced a milestone achievement in its sustainability journey. The company has successfully engaged 100% of its direct farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices, achieving this goal well ahead of its 2025 target.
Andy Battjes, Director of Global Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability at Brown-Forman, says: “Brown-Forman has achieved its first Sustainable Agriculture goal ahead of the 2025 target. This milestone underscores our steadfast commitment to the natural systems we rely on and our dedication to collaborating with our agricultural partners."
The achievement is framed as the starting point for further sustainability efforts aimed at preserving high-quality material supplies and boosting production efficiency.
These efforts are crucial for ensuring the company’s resilience and long-term success. Andy adds: "Environmental sustainability is integral to our long-term strategy and success. This achievement marks the beginning of our ongoing efforts to maintain a sustainable supply of high-quality materials and enhance efficiency in our production processes.
"These practices are essential to our commitment to ecological, social and economic well-being, ensuring a resilient supply chain and long-term business sustainability."
With an eye on the future, Brown-Forman is now setting new agricultural goals to push sustainable practices further across their entire supply chain.
Comprehensive Sustainability Pillars
Brown-Forman’s sustainability efforts are built around four main pillars:
- The company is focused on climate action, aiming to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2045.
- Water stewardship is a priority, with initiatives targeting water balance in critical watersheds by 2030.
- Embracing the circular economy is key, with goals for all primary packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030 while increasing recycled content.
- Supply chain sustainability remains at the forefront, illustrated by the accomplishment of engaging 100% of direct farmers in sustainable practices ahead of schedule.
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