Ensuring the success of the agricultural and agri-food transitions
The agricultural sector is currently facing a number of challenges: adapting to climate change, which means reconciling productivity and sustainability, preserving natural resources, generational renewal to ensure the long-term future of farms, and reduction of the sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It represents 19% of GHG emissions in France (source: CITEPA-SECTEN) but also stores CO2. Crédit Agricole is a long-standing partner of farmers (85% of farmers are Crédit Agricole customers in 2024) and the agri food industry. It plays an active role in supporting the agricultural sector in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, while at the same time increasing food sovereignty. It has therefore made the success of the agricultural and agri-food transitions one of the three priorities of its Societal Project.
Contribution to SDGs
We have defined a framework for action with five key areas and 15 levers.
Our actions :
Supporting the evolution of techniques towards a competitive and sustainable agri-food system by investing in innovation
The Group has earmarked a €1 billion investment budget to support the agricultural and agri-food transitions and biodiversity. Three investment funds were launched in 2023 to achieve this objective: :
- a €300 million agricultural and agri-food Ambition private equity fund in partnership with IDIA;
- a €140 million private debt fund with Amundi, with a target of €750 million;
- a €60 million innovation capital fund with Supernova Invest, with a target of €100 million.
Helping French agriculture to contribute to the fight against climate change
The national low-carbon strategy adopted by the French government has set two major targets for agriculture: to reduce emissions by 18% by 2030 (compared with 2015) and by 46% by 2050, while increasing the storage capacity of soils.
In line with this national low-carbon strategy and its Net Zero 2050 commitments, Crédit Agricole supports the agricultural sector in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions by following the roadmaps set by the profession and its sectors, at both national and farm level.
Promoting virtuous approaches through Carbioz, a platform enabling companies to buy carbon credits from French farms and forests. This platform, designed and operated with France Carbone Agri, connects companies and local authorities committed to decarbonisation with farmers involved in “low-carbon label” projects.
Helping to increase food sovereignty
To respond to the key challenge of food sovereignty, the Group is working in three areas:
- helping new generations of farmers to set up;
- promoting the farming profession;
- supporting sustainable food by developing short distribution channels.
Proposing practical solutions to assist the agricultural and agri-food sectors
To support its farmer customers, the Group has developed Trajectoires Agri, a tool for raising awareness and providing advice on issues related to the agricultural transition, climate risks and renewable energy development. It includes an ESG questionnaire dedicated to the agricultural transition.
Respect for animal welfare
Crédit Agricole ensures that animal welfare is respected and anticipates changes in regulations and social demand, in order to support its customers in making investments that respect animal welfare and are economically viable. This support includes raising awareness and training employees in charge of agricultural and agri-food projects. Animal welfare is one of the 15 levers integrated into the foundation for the agricultural and agri-food transitions, which guides the strategies for supporting customer transitions.