Good Soil cultivation programme
Berner, a Finnish family-owned company, has launched the Good Soil cultivation programme, which can be used to reduce the environmental impact of potato and grain cultivation and to improve the efficiency of cultivation and the crop yield capacity of fields. The programme responds to customers' growing demands for information on sustainability, and it is part of Berner Group's long-term commitment to the development of sustainability.
The Good Soil starch potato cultivation programme offers farmers a carefully planned and practically tested package that combines the principles of regenerative farming, modern technology and Finnish farming expertise. The aim of the cultivation programme is to improve the quantity and quality of the starch potato harvest, reduce the environmental impact of cultivation and support the long-term well-being of the soil. Participation in the programme includes clear farming measures that support these goals and bring tangible benefits to the farmer in both the short and long term.
Good soil management and optimisation of nutrient use are emphasised
Soil analyses are used to draw up a cultivation plan that guides fertilisation and plant protection precisely. Efficient use of organic fertilisers and crop rotation are key elements that help maintain soil structure and improve its carbon sequestration capacity. Plant protection emphasises precise, needs-based solutions, which brings planning and efficiency to cultivation.
Makes comprehensive use of technology
The applications of My Farm Wisu support crop planning and monitoring, which facilitates daily work and helps the farmer make informed decisions. In addition, the information generated by weather stations and nutrient measurements helps the farmer to optimize their farming operations, which reduces resource waste and improves crop productivity.
Financial benefits for the farmer, which are directly reflected in the farm's results
A farmer who has signed a Good Soil cultivation agreement and complied with the programme will be paid an additional price for starch. In addition, the small groups and trainings included in the programme offer practical tips and expertise for the implementation of the method. In these groups, farmers get to share their experiences and learn from each other, which helps to develop the farm's operations even better.
Finnamyl has been actively involved in the development of the Good Soil cultivation programme, and now the programme plays an important role in the procurement of Finnamyl's raw material.
For more information:
kimmo.pusa@chemigate.fi
Circular economy at Finnamyl – efficient use of resources
Finnamyl's potato starch plant has developed into a biorefinery where different fractions are recovered from potatoes as efficiently as possible. The side streams generated in starch production, such as protein, fibre and fruit juice, are utilised in food, feed and fertiliser use. The water and heat energy used in the process are also efficiently recycled at different stages of production.
Commitment to the SBTi climate initiative
Finnamyl is committed to reducing climate impacts as part of the parent company Berner's participation in the international Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi has approved the Group's science-based emission reduction targets, which also guide Finnamyl's climate work.
By 2030, the goal is to reduce Berner Group's emissions:
- Scope 1 and Scope 2: 42 %
- Scope 3: 51.6% per million € added value (intensity target)
- Scope 3 FLAG (Forest, Land and Agriculture): 30,3 %
The targets are based on the 2021 baseline.
Finnamyl promotes the approved climate goals through concrete actions, such as the Good Soil cultivation programme, and actively monitors the progress of emission reductions as part of the Group's carbon roadmap.
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