Tate & Lyle [LON: TATE]

Anna Pierce leads is a director of sustainability at Tate & Lyle, a global food and beverage solutions provider. With 10+ years of experience, she crafts innovative sustainability and environment, health and safety (EHS) programs that drive positive change and align with company values. Pierce spearheaded the transformation of Tate & Lyle’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, setting ambitious 2030 targets, including science-based greenhouse gas reduction goals. She excels at embedding sustainability into operations, securing a sustainability-linked credit facility and aligning progress with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. A champion of collaboration, Pierce partnered with Truterra to launch the largest U.S. sustainable agriculture program, supporting 1.5 million acres. She also initiated a stevia grower outreach program in China for reduced environmental impact and improved farmer livelihoods. Pierce's focus on partnerships ensures Tate & Lyle exceeds customer and consumer expectations.

Through this article, Anna Pierce, Director of Sustainability at Tate & Lyle, shares insights on leading sustainable agriculture initiatives amidst a changing landscape. She discusses how Tate & Lyle leverages technology, strategic partnerships, and a farmer-focused approach to meet its ambitious science-based targets.

What are the current advancements in sustainable agriculture, and how do they contribute to overcoming the challenges faced by organizations in meeting their business requirements?

Tate & Lyle's deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, including a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce scope three emissions, underscores how crucial agriculture is to the company and its customers. With rising consumer demand for sustainable products, we work directly with farmers and suppliers to achieve their goals. This partnership model is essential, yet the complex supply chain requires a shared commitment to sustainable practices.

Tate & Lyle understands that sustainable agriculture isn't solely about regenerative practices; it also means supporting the long-term success of farmers and suppliers. This focus on both environmental stewardship and community well-being drives our approach. While technological advancements are important, we recognize that solutions must be tailored to individual needs. By embracing technology with a flexible mindset, the company aims to enhance reporting, productivity, and ultimately make a positive impact on the environment and farming communities worldwide.

Could you share any notable experiences or successes from recent sustainable agriculture projects you've been involved with?

One standout project for us has been our stevia program in Eastern China. Starting in 2019 with a life cycle analysis, we sought to understand the environmental impact of stevia farming. This revealed the crucial role of smallholder farmers, often women and families, within the supply chain and the need for sustainable practices. Collaborating with Earthwatch Europe and Nanjing Agricultural University, we faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic—a stark contrast to our U.S. partnerships with their more extensive support networks.

We adapted our approach, focusing on building trust and educating smallholder farmers about sustainable practices. Emphasizing soil health and providing practical guidance on sampling and analysis, we aimed to improve practices and deliver tangible benefits for farmers. Local experts and continuous feedback through surveys were key to the program's success. A powerful visual comparison of plots—one using sustainable practices, the other traditional farming—helped convince more farmers to join.

“Collaborating with an independent or third-party organization, one genuinely invested in the farmers’ success in achieving both sustainability and financial viability, can be immensely beneficial.”

As farmers face the impacts of climate change, their growing concern for their livelihoods has deepened their trust in Tate & Lyle as a partner offering solutions. This partnership has led to a remarkable 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from stevia farming by 2022, alongside improvements across all categories in our life cycle analysis.

This journey highlights the importance of relationships, education and patience. It has not only yielded environmental benefits but also fostered pride among farmers who see their crops as more resilient to climate change—a powerful model for sustainable agriculture initiatives worldwide.

When implementing sustainable agriculture practices, what challenges have you faced, particularly those that current solutions haven't fully addressed?

The implementation of sustainable agriculture practices faces challenges, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Economic uncertainty makes farmers hesitant to adopt new practices, even with potential benefits, as they prioritize safeguarding their livelihoods. This is especially true in the U.S. with larger row crop operations, where economic instability makes experimentation risky due to potential impacts on yields and income.

Post-COVID logistical issues, like labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, further hindered the adoption of sustainable practices such as cover cropping. Additionally, data privacy and management concerns are growing. Farmers face a complex landscape of supply chain initiatives, carbon markets and USDA programs. Questions about data ownership and potential sharing create a barrier, as farmers must weigh the benefits of participation against their data privacy concerns.

These challenges, alongside the ever-changing agricultural sector, call for clear solutions that prioritize the needs of farmers. Balancing innovation, economic stability and data security is essential for ensuring the successful and widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you offer to peers and professionals in other organizations regarding engaging farmers in sustainable agriculture practices?

My advice for colleagues in sustainable agriculture is to respect the diverse needs and readiness of farmers. Not everyone will be immediately open to sustainability programs, so offer a variety of options that acknowledge their unique circumstances. Consider collaborating with independent organizations focused on farmer success—this ensures interventions align with individual farm needs, not just corporate targets.

Be patient and flexible. Meet farmers where they are in terms of current practices and openness to change. Forcing a one-size-fits-all approach can backfire. Economic uncertainty, labor issues and data privacy concerns highlight the complexity of this transition. Tailored solutions that make sustainable practices both viable and attractive to farmers are essential for long-term success.