DN AGRAR Group published its second Sustainability Report for 2023, on a voluntary basis, proving its commitment to improve its sustainability performance.
Key Sustainability Achievements for 2023
Environment
- Energy efficiency investments leading to a 14% reduction in overall energy intensity and 16% in fuels consumption intensity;
- Reduction of manual labor following investments in the automatization of certain steps of the milking process;
- Progress in the compost factory, expected to become operational in Q3 2024;
- Low carbon crops voluntary certification process started;
- New technology on field equipment for chemical fertilizers reduction application;
- New manure transportation system & increased manure storage capacity by 60%;
- Optimized management system for young stock, leading to increased operational and financial efficiency;
Social Impact
- No fatalities nor any high-consequence work-related injuries;
- No incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety impacts of products and services;
- Philanthropic contribution towards social and educational projects in our community, over 700,000 RON redirected in 2023, at Group level;
Governance
- Corporate Governance Framework development with additional policies for BoD functioning, HR, and supply chain sustainability;
- Significant steps the simplification of Group structure;
- Continued implementation of SAP and IFRS as key tools for decision-making and stakeholder transparency.
Sustainability Objectives:
- Continuous development and improvement of the governance framework and simplification of the company’s organizational structure;
- Continuation of the practice of sustainable agriculture, the application of food safety standards and innovative farming techniques in order to reduce environmental impact;
- Implementation of key projects for the sustainable development of the company, such as the compost factory, the solar energy production plant, and new investments in technology;
- Further developing a sustainability mindset within the DN AGRAR team;
- Continuing to invest in the professional development of our specialists;
- Continued integration of sustainability-relevant key performance indicators into DN AGRAR activities;
DN AGRAR’s strategy is to promote sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices that maximize productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term profitability.
We believe that by investing in our farms, our communities, and our planet, we can build a resilient and sustainable food system that benefits everyone. Regarding milk cow production, agriculture, and management activities, we have implemented procedures to ensure that activities are carried out responsibly and sustainably.
In addition, the companies in the group constantly pursue compliance with current laws and regulations to minimize risks and protect the companies from negative consequences, as well as to ensure efficient and integrated management of the business.on the reuse of animal waste.
• Starting from 2022, we made significant investments to support us in the management of waste and the reduction of our
impact.
• The compost factory and the biogas facility will allow us to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by liquid
and semi-liquid waste from manure.
ESG
Community Involvement
We aim to continue to support the development of local communities as part of our social responsibility. Either in health or education, we will always be a trustful partner for local authorities, NGO’s or other initiative groups sharing our
values.
Supporter of Maria Beatrice Association in Alba Iulia
The Maria Beatrice Association, was founded by the parents of Maria Beatrice, a girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a premature birth and aims to support families dealing with similar challenges. After experiencing considerable
financial strain from seeking treatment abroad, they established a recovery center in Romania in 2012 to aid more children. This center, known nationally for its results in child neuromotor recovery, treats over 700 children annually,
addressing a wide range of conditions resulting from premature births and accidents.
The association continues to expand its efforts, including building a dedicated Medical Campus for premature babies and associated affections. When finalized, the center will be able to serve over 2,000 children yearly, with long term treatments.
DN AGRAR is an active partner of Maria Beatrice Association since 2017,supporting the association’s activities with approx. RON 2.5 million in total.
of DN AGRAR contribution compared to 2022, amounting to over 700,000 RON in 2023
ESG
Involvement in Education
- In July 2023 , we joined the MAPIoT project (Modernizing agricultural practice using Internet of Things, EEA Grants, ANPCDEFP 20-COP-0019 ESAYEP). This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact through the transfer of digital technologies from IT to agriculture. The project includes on-site visits for practical research and the development of joint projects with academic and economic partners like Lucian Blaga University, the Sibiu IT Cluster and South-East University of Norway, to foster knowledge transfer and skill enhancement in the agricultural sector.
- The study visit that took place at DN AGRAR focused on machinery and technological processes that take place on the farm – both at the level of grain harvesting and checking grain moisture levels, feeding and milking cattle or automatic cleaning of the barn with the help of collaborative robots and IoT devices.
- Cooperation with AgriEDU CEX Association to support and get directly involved in the education system. As part of the cooperation, visits and trainings with high schools and universities in Romania, in the field of agricultural education, are to be developed.
- Internship programs offer more than just practical experience in agriculture and zootechnics. Interns benefit from hands-on training in cutting-edge agri-business techniques, allowing them to enhance their understanding of agricultural practices and discover specific methodologies tailored to this field.
ESG
Diversity Policy
DN AGRAR is committed to providing a safe workplace where all individuals, regardless of their position, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or abilities, are treated with fairness, consideration and dignity.
Through our dedicated policies and everyday actions, we promote a culture of respect, inclusion and open communication, whilst focusing on:
- Encouraging a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture;
- Ensuring that each individual has equal opportunities for growth, advancement and success within the organization, based on merit and abilities;
- Zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment;
- Encouraging professional behavior and conduct, including punctuality, adherence to company policies, and treating colleagues, clients, and stakeholders with respect;
- Supporting a healthy balance between professional and personal life, for promoting and sustaining employee well-being.
ESG
Internship
Another area in which we are involved is helping to prepare a new generation of young and professional farmers who will ensure the intergenerational exchange in farms by offering internship opportunities within the companies of the DN AGRAR Group.
At DN AGRAR, young people who choose the internship option have the opportunity to work in a modern cow farm and thus have access to the latest technologies and good practices for raising and exploiting animals.
Additionally, if young people choose the Agriculture field for their internship, they benefit from training in the DN AGRAR agri-business field, where they improve their knowledge of agricultural practices, discover specific techniques and methodologies in this field, in a “learn-by-doing” program where participants learn by practicing the work itself.
We need intelligent, creative, discerning, and enthusiastic people. This program aims to identify future professionals in Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, who will have the opportunity to learn alongside the professional team of DN AGRAR.