Absolut Farmers: Creating real change, farm by farm

As one of southern Sweden’s largest wheat buyers, Absolut Vodka has a responsibility to ensure that its suppliers’ farm practices are sustainable. This is why it is working closely with farmers who supply its winter wheat to make real change, farm by farm, for the climate, biodiversity and soil health.

Through an initiative called Absolut Farmers, Absolut hopes to spark curiosity and inspiration around sustainable farming methods among the over 300 farms in its Wheat Sustainability Programme.

It is collaborating with four farms focusing on three core themes – biodiversity, nutrient efficiency and crop protection. The goal is to reduce the climate impact of wheat farming, preserve biodiversity on and around farms and ensure long-term sustainable use of crop protection products.

Each ‘demo’ farm showcases different practices to inspire other farms. Farmers are not encouraged to implement all available methods at once, as each farm is unique. Some farms may be more interested in biodiversity, others may want to focus on the efficient use of nutrition, while others have experience with crop protection.

“We strongly believe in the power of farmers inspiring each other through small initiatives that work locally,” says Marcus Lundmark, Agricultural Technologist at Absolut Vodka. “We know our farmers care about the climate and environment, and they understand their land and conditions. Through Absolut Farmers, we aim to provide them with tools to further develop and learn from each other, so together we can create sustainable, resilient and profitable wheat farming for the future.”

While the demonstration project is relatively new, Absolut’s Wheat Sustainability Programme has been in place for over two decades. It is constantly working on improvements that help secure quality wheat, farmed more sustainably. 

With the programme, Absolut can secure winter wheat of the right quality and quantity every year. And because it only uses wheat from nearby farms, it knows where its wheat is from and has full traceability.

“Since we know how our wheat is grown, we can set standards that guarantee high quality and demonstrate responsibility for the climate and the environment,” adds Marcus.

We strongly believe in the power of farmers inspiring each other through small initiatives that work locally.

Marcus Lundmark