Simpsons Malt, one of the largest, independent, family-owned malting companies in the world, has announced a collaboration with BASF to work towards carbon-neutral malting barley and distilling wheat by 2030.
Substantial investments have already been made in Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions across Simpsons Malt sites, and the company has integrated an agricultural merchanting division, McCreath Simpson & Prentice. With this, it states that it is uniquely placed within the malting industry to engage with growers, input suppliers and the wider sector.
Ben Gothorp, sustainability manager at Simpsons Malt, said: “The distilling sector has ambitious climate targets and, given the strength of their brands and the storytelling that underpins them, a more sustainable, decarbonised supply chain is important to achieve and for us to be a part of.”
BASF will record crop management practices via its Carbon Farming Platform to determine the impact of on-farm decisions. The company will also validate the work by Simpsons Malt by monitoring and reporting that reductions of greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced as part of the Gold Standard Value Change Programme.
Mr Gothorp added that the benefits will be felt across the supply chain, regardless of whether a distillery takes malt from five or 150 farmers. “It’s all about helping farmers to build resilience in their business, more sustainable practices and to ensure that we can give full transparency to our customers.”
Joel Johnson, business director for BASF Agricultural Solutions UK & Ireland, said: “The drinks industry, especially whisky, is of huge importance to the UK. This partnership will demonstrate how beginning with growers, all partners are in dealing with the challenges of producing food and drink sustainably.
“Our agreement is different to many agrifood carbon-reduction programmes because it combines BASF expertise and know-how as part of the Carbon Farming Platform to not only record on-farm practices but crucially to provide Simpsons Malt’s growers with practical guidance on how their choices – say the method of cultivation or fertiliser programmes – can change the farm’s carbon footprint.”
Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, senior vice president for BASF Agricultural Solutions, EMEA, added: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in BASFs commitment to transforming global agriculture, something we can only do in close collaboration with our customers and with growers. Playing our part in supporting Simpsons Malt’s vision to create a more sustainable supply chain is something we are honoured and excited to be part of.”
For more information go to www.basf.com
