Our management philosophy seeks robust returns by applying best environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Acting with integrity towards our staff, clients, farmers and communities is the leitmotif of our operations.
G.A.P. Certification as Condition for Selling to International Retail Chains
Farmland operators are invited to follow best agricultural G.A.P. standards and practices to ensure safe and sustainable crop management. G.A.P. certification has become a prerequisite for fresh produce to be listed with major retail chains across North America and Europe and ensures the continued access to important international buyers.
Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture
The Cop27 conference held in November 2022 in Egypt has repeated the importance of sustainable agriculture and forest management practices to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the overall objective of reducing temperatures by 1.5 degrees. In fact, responsible farm management represents a tremendous opportunity to reduce methane, by introducing new methods of soil management, as well as fostering biodiversity of plants and insects through targeted initiatives.
We at FIAN have enlisted our farmers to get into action. All our farming partners are now participating in specific carbon sequestration programs, certifying the reduction of greenhouse gases. Once certified, they will be also able to sell carbon credits in the future.
Carbon Credits for Farmland Operations – the Canadian Model
We are also monitoring the legal development of carbon credits in Canada. Since the beginning of 2022, large companies have been able to offset their emissions either by means of paying a carbon tax or by purchasing certificates (carbon credits) from companies that have reduced their emissions.
In Canada, farmers also have the option of selling their emissions reductions within their own value chain (insetting) – for example by selling their farmers’ credits to food manufacturers such as Danone.
In fact, “carbon insets ensure that manufacturers take direct responsibility for the emissions in their own supply chain. The insetting credits also aid in improving sustainable management practices directly at the source, with the farmer. The focus of carbon offsets is on the tonnes of carbon avoided/removed, while the focus of carbon insets is creating carbon emission reduction capacity.”(source: Carboncredits.com)
Inset credits follow the price trend of offset credits, which are expected to rise to $170/ton in 2030. Offset credits from farmers would be sold to companies outside their own value chain. Since the certification process for insetting is simpler and faster than that for offsetting, this approach is privileged by most Canadian farmers.
FIAN has launched two insetting pilot projects in Quebec and Ontario in 2021. In fall of 2022, insetting certification has started for all FIAN-managed cropland in Ontario.
Sustainable Forest Management
We make sure that forest managers are applying sustainable standards during their operations on private grounds and that they follow good practices imposed by regulations for public land, where reforestation is mandatory.
According to the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), Canada is home to only 9% of the world’s forests, however, it is home to 36% of the worlds certified sustainably managed forests.”
Our Vision for Sustainability
Our vision for sustainability is reflected in the day-to-day operations of our farmers and foresters caring about a regenerative approach to farming & food as well as wild life & plants.
We are proud to show you around in Canada to present our initiatives and the way we manage responsively farmland and forests.
Interested in a tour? We love to hear from you!