In the quest for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, agriculture plays a crucial role in reducing global emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change. AUGA Group, AB, a leading agricultural company based in Lithuania, has been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices for many years. Guided by a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the Group is taking bold steps to expand its sustainable agriculture footprint internationally and make a significant impact on reducing emissions from the agricultural sector.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Kęstutis Juščius, AUGA Group has been consistently implementing the objectives set out in its strategy to develop sustainable agricultural technologies. These technologies aim to reduce emissions from agriculture while enhancing productivity and efficiency on farms. The Group’s dedication to these goals has earned it a reputation as a pioneer in the sustainable side of agriculture.
One of the initiatives of the Group is the development of innovative emission-reducing technologies, such as biomethane and the electric-powered tractor AUGA M1. Biomethane, produced from livestock and crop residues, offers a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural machinery. The electric-powered tractor further minimizes the carbon footprint of farming operations, contributing to the Group’s climate neutrality target by 2030.
In addition to technology-driven approaches, AUGA Group has established 11 cooperatives, inviting farmers to join and adopt the AUGA way of sustainable farming. By collaborating and sharing knowledge on a cooperative principle, the Group aims to create a broader impact and foster a sustainable farming community. This community-based approach not only helps expand the scope of sustainable farming practices but also facilitates the reduction of agricultural emissions on both organic and conventional farms.
However, the Group faces challenges in maintaining the growth of organic farmland in Lithuania, where the area of organic farms has seen a decline of 18% in 2023. To address this issue and achieve its ambitious goals, AUGA Group is embarking on a new strategy. The Group plans to convert a portion of its organic lands into conventional ones, while still adhering to regenerative agriculture practices. This step is essential for diversifying market risks, reducing income volatility due to climate change, and laying the foundation for future growth.
By attracting both organic and conventional farmers, AUGA Group can significantly expand its impact on emissions reduction in the agricultural sector. The implementation of sustainable technologies and practices on conventional farms alongside organic ones will create a more substantial and far-reaching positive impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the Group recognizes the increasing demand for products with lower emissions in various markets. By supplying sustainable raw materials to food processors and manufacturers, AUGA can cater to this growing demand and reach larger markets. While the end-consumer products under the AUGA brand, such as dairy, oat flakes, porridges, and vegetables, will remain organic, the supply of sustainable raw materials from conventional farms will strengthen the Group’s position in the sustainable agriculture market.
The main sources of emissions in both organic and conventional agriculture are fossil fuels, soil emissions, and internal fermentation processes in livestock. AUGA Group’s strategy focuses on replacing fossil fuels in agricultural machinery with biomethane, implementing regenerative crop rotations, and using specialized feed for cattle. These practices and technologies will be applied not only on organic farms but also on conventional ones, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to sustainability across its entire agricultural portfolio.
Despite the expansion into regenerative conventional agriculture, the Group’s strategic goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030 remains unchanged. Short-term improvements in emissions per ton of production will be achieved through increased efficiency. AUGA Group plans to continue sharing sustainable agricultural technologies and know-how with farmers on a cooperative basis, ensuring that enough arable land is dedicated to meet the demand for organic products.
AUGA Group stands as a company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. By embracing innovative technologies and regenerative practices, the Group aims to reduce emissions from agriculture and make a positive impact on the global climate crisis. Through collaboration with farmers and the wider sustainable farming community, AUGA Group is working towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.
Image provided by AUGA Group, AB
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