21 Dec Cefetra Anticipates a Sustainable Future in 2024
Cefetra Anticipates a Sustainable Future in 2024
21st December 2023
As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, Cefetra Grain, a trailblazer in the agricultural market, is poised for a promising 2024, thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated team, farmer-growers, and cherished customers. Simon Wilcox, Manager of UK Farm Grain Origination, shares our journey through adversity and the strategic initiatives shaping our optimistic outlook.
In the face of disruptions in the grains and oilseeds markets, from conflict in Ukraine to energy price fluctuations and macroeconomic shifts, Cefetra Grain has proven its adaptability. Despite these hurdles, we proudly report robust results for the financial year ending December 31, 2022, showcasing our resilience in a challenging market.
Our 30th year of trading marked significant growth for Cefetra Limited, with turnover increasing from £1.24 billion in 2021 to £1.58 billion in 2022. Operating profits surged from £4.6 million to £19.1 million over the same period. Buoyed by this success, we’ve expanded our team of Farm Grain Buyers and broadened our geographical reach, aspiring to become a national grain procurement business with a local touch.
The positive response from new farmer suppliers reinforces our commitment to providing a friendly and professional service. The addition of a new financially robust alternative partner has been warmly embraced in local communities.
Moreover, sustainability lies at the heart of our strategy. With the aim of leading the way in the agricultural sector, we’ve welcomed Jason Hayward-Jones as our Sustainability Specialist – Agriculture. Drawing on over 25 years of agribusiness consulting, Jason’s mission is to empower farmers to adopt practices promoting low-carbon crop production, soil health, and biodiversity.
A significant stride towards sustainability is our recent launch of Cefetra Ecosystem Services, a groundbreaking partnership initiative set to roll out in 2024. This program seeks to enable more farmers to realize financial returns on sustainable practices. Serving as a bridge between customers, including leading brands in the drinks and animal feed industries, and farmers seeking financial returns on sustainable farming, Cefetra Ecosystem Services establishes high standards for climate-positive supply chains.
The initiative has already garnered positive responses from UK growers, as it rewards them for adopting sustainable farming practices. Our partnership with agronomy firm Soil Capital ensures trust through established methodologies, offering a carbon program compliant with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) guidance, guaranteeing credibility to meet buyers’ ESG goals.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the UK and European harvests in 2023, we appreciate the resilience of our network. As global events continue to impact agriculture, our thoughts are with those affected.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, customers, farmer suppliers, and staff for their unwavering support in 2023. We eagerly anticipate collaborative efforts in building further success in the year ahead.
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