Part 2: Building a Sustainability Program That Works

Once you decide to operate more sustainably, the next question is: Where do you start?
A successful sustainability strategy is built on three essential steps—each requiring clarity, data, and commitment.

Step 1: Establish Your Baseline

Before setting goals, it is essential to understand your current standing. Conduct a complete emissions inventory across all three Scope categories:

Step 1: Establish Your Baseline

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from your own operations (fuel combustion, vehicles, equipment).
  

• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heat, or cooling).
  

• Scope 3: All other emissions across your supply chain—both upstream and downstream (inputs, transportation, waste, product use).
  
  

Although Scope 3 is often the most challenging to measure, it’s usually the most significant contributor. The key is an accurate, data-driven assessment.

At EarthOptics, we help producers and companies quantify their emissions and soil carbon with field-level precision—combining sensor data, lab analysis, and proprietary models to produce actionable insights.

Step 2: Set Realistic, Impactful Targets

Once you have a baseline, identify the “low-hanging fruit.” Start where you can make immediate progress:

• Transition to renewable or lower-emission fuels.
  

• Invest in regenerative practices that build soil carbon.
  

• Collaborate with suppliers who share your sustainability goals.
  

• Use offsets or credits strategically to balance remaining emissions.
  
  

Coalitions and partnerships can amplify your efforts. Many supply chain partners are pursuing similar goals, and shared data can multiply results. Always track abatement costs—knowing your ROI on sustainability investments strengthens both business and environmental outcomes.

Step 3: Take Action and Report Progress

With your plan in place, it’s time to act—and stay accountable. Publish progress reports annually or biannually to show measurable outcomes. Transparent reporting not only builds trust with partners and investors, it reinforces your internal culture of sustainability.

Four organizations can provide practical frameworks and guidance:

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Consistent frameworks for climate reporting.
  

• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): A global network of sustainability-focused companies.
  

• Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi): Ambitious, data-driven emission reduction standards.
  

• Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP): Widely used platform for corporate climate-risk reporting.
  
  

A Lower-Carbon Future Starts Now

Agriculture has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy. As stewards of the land, we’re positioned to make a measurable, lasting impact on both productivity and planetary health.