Socially, sustainability is about how we manage relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and the communities where we operate, including:

• Promoting health and wellbeing 

• Engaging with peoples' needs

• Providing training and development 

• Being an equitable and diverse employer

• Developing a Te ao Māori cultural awareness program

• Engaging with suppliers regarding their business practices, ensuring they meet the required ethical standards

As stewards of nature, Farmlands has developed a Growth and Innovation team whose focus is to solve some of the challenges a sustainable future brings:

• Protecting and managing our soil and fresh water

• Protecting NZ native flora and fauna to increase biodiversity

• Moving to a low carbon economy

• Reducing greenhouse gases, including biogenic methane

• Animal welfare

Focusing on creating long-term value by taking into consideration how we operate in the economic environment:

• Providing monthly balanced scorecards measuring performance against sales and profitability targets

• Ensuring all decisions have a sound financial basis

• Identifying shareholders who will benefit from cross-category spending

• Embracing cost-saving technologies for heating, transport and communications

Carbon Reduction Certification: Farmlands has been a Toitū carbonreduce certified organisation in line with ISO 14064-1 since August 2020. Farmlands' aim is to reduce our overall emissions by 30% before 2030 and there are key initiatives in place to reduce and mitigate our top 5 emitters. We are also working on our areas of procurement and category to focus on sustainable sourcing and create a sustainable supply chain. Find out more.

Agrecovery: Farmlands is an active member and the largest host of this nationwide rural recycling programme, offering 23 sites nationally for farm plastic container collection, with increased involvement to come. Visit Agrecovery's website to find a location near you.

Sustainable Business Council (SBC): The purpose of the SBC is to mobilise New Zealand's most ambitious businesses to build a thriving and sustainable future for all. SBC connects member businesses, partners, and sectors to create impact that no single business could achieve alone. As members, Farmlands are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and building sustainability into our purchasing decisions.

Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC): The CLC was launched to promote business leadership and collective action on the issue of climate change. Members are required to set a public emissions reduction target consistent with keeping within 2°c of warming, aligning with the Paris Agreement. As a part of this body, Farmlands are committed to helping New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy, creating a positive future for New Zealanders, business and the economy.