As the global community grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, the focus has often been on reducing carbon emissions and promoting regenerative agriculture. However, another critical element of environmental sustainability has been quietly gaining momentum: water stewardship. Water, an essential resource for life and a key component in the agrifood sector, is now moving to the forefront of corporate sustainability agendas.
At the heart of this shift is the stark reality that agribusiness accounts for a staggering 70% of the world’s water usage. This figure, provided by Ceres, underscores the significant impact that agricultural practices have on global water resources. Moreover, the industry contributes significantly to water pollution, compounding the challenges of water scarcity and quality that many regions face.
Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, water stewardship was a prominent item on the COP27 agenda in 2022, signaling that it is becoming the next big priority for climate action. In response to this growing concern, agrifood corporations are beginning to make bold commitments to reduce and conserve water across their operations and supply chains.
In honor of World Water Day, we have compiled a list of agrifood companies that have set specific targets and deadlines for improving water stewardship. While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights those with clear and measurable goals, distinguishing them from companies that may only vaguely mention water in their sustainability plans.
Among the commitments, PepsiCo stands out with its ambitious goal to become “net water positive” by 2030. This means the company aims to replenish more water than it uses in its operations. Other companies, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, are focusing on improving water use efficiency, aiming for 2.5 hectoliters of water per hectoliter of production across all brewery sites and an even more efficient 2.0 hl/hl in water-stressed areas by 2025.
Cargill has pledged to implement water stewardship practices at all 72 of its priority facilities by 2030. The agribusiness giant also plans to “enable restoration” of 600 billion liters of water and reduce water pollutants by 5,000 metric tons in water-stressed regions. Additionally, they are committed to improving access to safe drinking water for 500,000 people.
Brewing company Carlsberg has set a target to achieve water usage efficiency of 2.0 hl/hl globally and an even more stringent 1.7 hl/hl at breweries in high-risk areas by 2030. They also aim for 100% water replenishment of water consumption in these high-risk areas.
The Coca-Cola Company is taking a comprehensive approach by targeting water usage efficiency and improving the health of 60 “critical” watersheds. They, too, are working towards 100% water replenishment at breweries in high-risk areas.
Danone, the multinational food-products corporation, is focusing on its direct farmers, aiming for a 25% reduction in water consumption in high-risk areas. Additionally, they plan to cut water usage in factories located in high water-stress areas by 50%.
These commitments by agrifood corporates are a testament to the increasing recognition of water’s critical role in ensuring a sustainable future. The influence these companies wield over production systems and consumer habits means that their actions have the potential to drive significant positive change.
As the world continues to confront the challenges of climate change, water stewardship is poised to become a central pillar of corporate sustainability efforts. Through these commitments, agrifood companies are not only setting an example for responsible resource management but are also paving the way for a more water-secure world.
For those interested in the full list of commitments or who have suggestions for other companies that should be recognized for their water stewardship targets, we welcome your input. The conversation about water sustainability is critical, and it is through collective action and shared knowledge that we can make the most meaningful progress.