Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, Beneo, and Puratos collaborate on Climate Farming Project to promote regenerative agricultural principles

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Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, a beet sugar producer, Beneo, a manufacturer in functional ingredients, and Puratos, a leader in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients, are collaborating with Belgian farmers to implement sustainable farming practices and promote regenerative agricultural principles. The program, called the Climate Farming Project, is underway with 15 pilot farms that will cultivate sugar beets, wheat, and chicory according to various regenerative farming methods in an area equivalent to over 1,100 soccer fields.

The strategies implemented by farmers will aim to reduce mineral nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide use through more localized application of mineral fertilizer, use of organic fertilizers and biopesticides, as well as enhance biodiversity by planting flower strips and hedges next to their fields. They will also aim to reduce soil erosion and enhance soil fertility and biodiversity by improving the biomass of cover and catch crops planted following main crop harvest. Additionally, the farmers will reduce tillage and soil work as another way to combat erosion.

“It is clear that the agricultural sector must move towards a more regenerative approach. While there are many ideas on how to achieve this, involving farmers and their expertise from the field in these discussions is vital,” said Fabrice Flamend, a farmer from Eghezée, Belgium, and member of the Climate Farming Project, in a press release. “We need to uncover feasible techniques where factors such as soil condition, crops, equipment, and profitability can be taken into account. This is why I am excited to be part of the Climate Farming Project. It provides a platform to exchange know-how and experience between farmers, and the companies that process our crops. Through the Climate Farming Project, we can work together on solutions that will future-proof agriculture.”