Bel's commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture and expectations for COP30
At Bel, the leading global company in dairy, fruit and plant-based products, we are deeply committed to promoting sustainable and regenerative agriculture as a central pillar of our strategy to build a resilient, healthy and low-carbon food system.
Our ambition is clear: to lead by example in accelerating the transition to agricultural practices that restore ecosystems, nurture biodiversity and support farmers, while fulfilling our mission to make healthier and more responsible food available to all.
Bel Portugal's CSR ambition is to be "the most sustainable company, from meadow to plate, a pioneer in Regenerative Agriculture". Why? Because we recognize that, as part of the food sector, we are responsible for the problem and must be part of the solution to environmental challenges. The food sector is responsible for approximately 34% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and we believe that sustainable agriculture can only be achieved through regeneration.
Our commitment in action:
We set ourselves the 2030 target: 100% of our milk and apples from producers transitioning to regenerative farming practices. We started down the path of regeneration in 2022 with pilot dairy farmers in the Azores and mainland Portugal. The results are impressive: a more balanced and less compacted soil, greater biodiversity - enabling pastures to recover more quickly; for farmers: greater nutritional value at a lower cost, a reduction in chemical fertilizers, machinery movements and food purchases. In addition, a greater capacity to absorb CO₂. All these results give us the confidence to continue.
By working closely with farmers, suppliers and strategic partners such as WWF and Earthworm Foundation, Bel actively encourages the adoption of farming techniques that improve soil health, boost carbon sequestration and increase the resilience of farms to climate change.
We invest in education, pilot projects and transparent measurement tools to ensure that progress is tangible, effective and benefits people and the planet.
Our approach goes beyond environmental impact: we also defend animal welfare, fair working conditions and inclusion in the value chain.
Our expectations for COP30:
When the world meets in 2030, we believe it is time for agriculture to take center stage in the climate agenda.
Adopt ambitious goals: Strengthen global commitments to reduce agricultural emissions and accelerate the transition to climate resilient practices, and nature-positive.
Promote regenerative solutions: Encourage nations to support regenerative agriculture through supportive policy frameworks, incentives and recognition of its role in restoring biodiversity and resilient food value chains.
Training and supporting farmers: Ensure that funding mechanisms and technical support reach those on the front line, farmers and producers, facilitating the large-scale adoption of regenerative models.
Promote global collaboration: Create platforms for knowledge sharing, innovation and cross-sector partnerships to expand impact across borders.
Bel is committed to driving this agenda forward, believing that regenerative agriculture is not only essential for the health of the planet, but also a unique opportunity to offer better nutrition, sustainable business growth and a better future for all.
"With agriculture at the center of climate discussions at COP30, Bel presents a concrete model where responsibility and profitability go hand in hand. Our commitments to Regenerative Agriculture demonstrate how we can strengthen ecosystems while promoting resilient and sustainable growth for the future, while ensuring healthier and more responsible food for all." - José Miguel Brandão, Director of Impact Bel Portugal
