AGCO's 2022 Sustainability Report Shows Solid Progress

Mar 29, 2023

AGCO (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, infrastructure and precision ag technology, today released its 2022 Sustainability Report. The report showcases AGCO’s progress on environmental, social and governance issues as it strives to deliver farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed our world.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005749/en/

AGCO is delivering on its sustainability commitments, from industry-leading innovation to improve sustainability outcomes for farmers, to decarbonizing our products and operations, to offering our talented, diverse employees a safer, more engaging workplace. (Photo: Business Wire)

“AGCO is delivering on its sustainability commitments, from industry-leading innovation to improve sustainability outcomes for farmers, to decarbonizing our products and operations, to offering our talented, diverse employees a safer, more engaging workplace. I am proud of the progress we’re making, and I am committed to accelerating progress as we work together to help farmers sustainably feed our world,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO Chairman, President and CEO.

Innovating for farmers

Whether it is innovating for farmer customers with intelligent, network-connected tractors that reduce soil compaction by limiting repeated machinery passes in the field, or precision technologies that enable farmers to sequester carbon, AGCO’s global brands help farmers enhance the health and resilience of their soil. In 2022, Precision Planting introduced Radicle Agronomics™, a game-changing set of soil-analysis tools for agronomists, and Radicle Lab™, the world’s first fully automated soil laboratory designed to greatly improve the precision and timeliness of soil sampling.

Decarbonization

Key to AGCO’s sustainability commitment is helping farmers grow profitably and sustainably. AGCO’s brands offer groundbreaking products and technologies to sharply reduce or eliminate emissions from farm machinery. The recently launched AGCO Power CORE™ engines reach new heights of efficiency and are compatible with renewable diesel, enabling up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The fully electric Fendt e100 tractor is planned for launch in 2024.

AGCO is also decarbonizing its operations. In 2022, AGCO exceeded Scope 1 and 2 targets three years ahead of schedule by reducing the emissions intensity of manufacturing operations by 31% compared to the 2020 baseline. A detailed assessment of Scope 3 value chain emissions is complete, and product management, engineering and supply chain leaders are working together to define the long-term decarbonization roadmap.

Our People

Creating outstanding products and services for farmers starts with creating a work environment where employees can grow and thrive. AGCO actively seeks and responds to employee feedback through its annual ‘Voices’ survey. Nearly 20,000 employees shared their voice in 2002, with 88% sharing they are proud to work for AGCO.

Safety, health, and well-being serve as the foundation of the employee experience. AGCO’s safety incident rate is decreasing year-over-year, with a 14% decrease in 2022. AGCO has set a new goal to achieve a total incident rate below 1.5 by 2025.

Visit AGCO’s 2022 Sustainability Report for more information on these and other key sustainability initiatives.

About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson®, Precision Planting® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $12.7 billion in 2022. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com . For company news, information, and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

Source : AGCO

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.