How to Build a Strong Sustainability Program for Agri‑Food Supply Chains

Setting a sustainability goal is easy. Building a program that works across farm data, emissions categories, insetting, and reporting frameworks is where the real challenge begins. This playbook helps you break down that challenge into six clear, actionable stages.

Whether you’re just starting with Scope 1–2 carbon accounting or working toward full Scope 3 FLAG disclosure, these steps are designed to help you build a credible, science-aligned, and operationally viable sustainability program.

1. Planning: Align Ambition with Actionability 

Set targets that are grounded in scientific frameworks and operational realities. Know what’s material in your supply chain and which regulations or buyers are shaping expectations. Clarify who’s responsible for what internally, define realistic timelines, and consider both what’s measurable today and what can evolve over the next 12–24 months. Without this alignment, your program risks drifting from ambition to inaction.

Checklist:

1. We’ve clearly defined which scopes (1, 2, 3) and categories (FLAG/non-FLAG) are relevant to our business.
2. Our targets align with SBTi FLAG, CSRD, or other leading frameworks.
3. We’ve mapped internal roles and timelines for delivering our program.
4. We understand what’s realistic to measure and change in the next 12–24 months.

2. Data Collection & QA: Build the Right Systems from the Start

Collecting farm-level sustainability data is one of the most difficult challenges in agri‑food, but also one of the most essential. Build workflows that make it easy for farmers and suppliers to submit data, and that include basic quality control features from the start. This means validation rules (e.g., flagging out-of-range values), required fields, and standardized units to ensure consistency. 

Checklist:

1. We have basic farm-level or supplier data collection workflows in place.
2. Our system includes validation rules (e.g., preventing negative values, required fields).
3. We use range checks and logic rules (e.g,. fertiliser rates per hectare).
4. We provide tooltips, training, or examples to guide data entry.
5. We can identify and track missing or inconsistent data across our supply base.

3. Baseline Reporting & Measurement: Know Where You Stand

Before you can reduce emissions or improve biodiversity, you need a defensible baseline. Start with Scope 1 and 2 using IPCC or GHG Protocol methods, then expand into Scope 3. Especially FLAG categories like feed production, manure, and land use. Clearly define the assumptions, boundaries, and emission factors behind your calculations to enable transparency. 

1. We’ve calculated our Scope 1–2 footprint using IPCC/GHG Protocol methods.
2. We’ve started building Scope 3 data, at least for FLAG categories like feed, manure, and land use.
3. We document assumptions, system boundaries, and emissions factors.
4. Our baseline can be traced back to the original data sources.
5. We’ve identified major hotspots and data gaps.

4. Scenario Planning: Test Before You Act

It’s easy to jump into solutions, but smart programs test first. Scenario planning lets you simulate the effects of mitigation actions before making major investments. Model interventions like switching to low-emission fertilizers, introducing legumes, or adopting feed additives. Then evaluate GHG impact, cost implications, and farmer feasibility.

Checklist:

1. We’ve tested 2–3 “what-if” scenarios (e.g., urea substitution, clover adoption, feed changes).
2. We can compare the impact (GHG, cost, adoption feasibility) across options.
3. Scenario results are being used to guide internal decisions or pilot programs.
4. We involve procurement or operations teams in scenario reviews.
5. Our team understands which actions will deliver the biggest return on impact.

5. Insetting Setup: Fund Change Inside Your Value Chain

Real decarbonization happens inside your supply chain. Insetting, funding practices like cover cropping, anaerobic digestion, or soil carbon enhancement, turn ambition into impact. Start by identifying which practices are most relevant to your farm network and emissions profile.

Checklist:

1. We’ve identified high-potential insetting practices (e.g., cover crops, anaerobic digestion, rewetting).
2. Our program links farm-level action to Scope 3 metrics.
3. Farmers or suppliers receive direct support or incentives.
4. We track environmental outcomes over time, not just participation.
5. We’ve mapped how insetting fits into our emissions reduction targets.

6. Verification: Design for Confidence and Credibility

Without verification, your sustainability claims risk being dismissed as greenwashing. Build your program from day one with traceability and audit-readiness in mind. Ensure that all data sources, whether from ERP systems, field tools, or farmer reports, can be traced and backed by methodology documents.
Align your structure with global standards like ISO 14064, the GHG Protocol, and SBTi FLAG. 

Checklist:

1. Our data sources are traceable and auditable (even if still internal).
2. We align with ISO 14064, GHG Protocol, and follow SBTi FLAG where possible.
3. We’re preparing for internal reviews or third-party verification in the next 12–18 months.
4. We’ve documented our methodology and QA process for each stage.
5. We understand what evidence we’d need to support claims in an audit or ESG rating.

Where Are You Now?

You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you do need a clear sense of where you are. Whether you’re just beginning with Scope 1–2 emissions or struggling with fragmented FLAG data across dozens of producers, the key is building a step-by-step system that balances ambition with technical credibility.

We understand the pressures you’re under. From CSRD reporting deadlines and evolving buyer requirements, to the real challenges of data collection, farmer engagement, and internal alignment. That’s why ODOS works across the full program lifecycle, helping agri-food businesses plan, measure, model, and act on carbon, biodiversity, and land use change with precision and trust.

🌱 Need help with your entire sustainability journey? Our team can help you measure, reduce, and take action.