FOR THE FUTURE OF FARMING AND SUGAR BEETS
Sustainability
Sustainability in Alberta’s Sugar Beet Farming
For the farmers of Alberta Sugar Beet Growers (ASBG), sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s part of their everyday practices — and this has been proved through a verification from the FSA of Silver Level Sustainability.
At ASBG, we use the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) program to understand and assess how sustainable our grower's on-farm practices are, and how sustainable the production process is. Within this process, we work closely with our farmers to evaluate and improve their environmental, social, and economic impact. This helps us understand where we can do better and allows us to provide focused support to ensure our farms are running sustainably.
What is the FSA?
The FSA is part of a global effort led by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, a collaboration between food and drink industries working to create sustainable agriculture solutions. Through a detailed questionnaire with 112 questions, the FSA covers everything from water and soil management to labor conditions and local community impact. After farmers complete the assessment, an independent, on-property, third-party audit ensures they meet the FSA standards.
Why use the FSA?
Because sustainable agriculture isn’t just good for the environment — it’s essential for the future of the industry. The tools and resources from the SAI Platform help us work with other stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain, ensuring we all move forward together toward global sustainability.
The Results
As a result of these efforts, the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers have been verified at the FSA Silver level, setting the standard for best management practices on our farms. This verification goes beyond the sugar beets themselves, as it ensures that the grower's entire on-farm practices are operating sustainably. When you see Roger’s white granulated or icing sugar with a black factory stamp starting with the number 22, you can trust that it’s been grown and produced with sustainability in mind.