Plantations International Carbon Neutral Agriculture

Our path to carbon neutral agriculture

Plantations International is working towards Carbon Neutral Agriculture (CNA) on its mango plantations in Thailand, as evidence of its commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming.

With close to 100,000 mango trees, the company is one of Thailand's largest mango producers and a significant carbon sink that supports its net-zero emissions goal.

"Being Carbon Neutral is a Moral Responsibility."

The role of mango trees in carbon sequestration

Mango plantations act as major carbon sinks, and the company regards mango trees as essential to its carbon strategy.

• Trees absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and store carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots. Their large biomass and long lifespans make them effective for long-term storage, and mature trees store more carbon than young ones.
• Tree roots stabilise soil, reduce erosion and build organic matter. Soil carbon is less likely to be released, especially under agroforestry and organic farming.
• Trees support biodiversity, provide habitats and improve microclimates, and their shade and windbreaks benefit other crops.

Nine steps to carbon neutral agriculture

• Natural farming practices: synthetic fertilisers and pesticides have largely been phased out, improving soil health and biodiversity and cutting emissions from chemical inputs.
• Agroforestry systems: trees are intercropped with other crops, sequestering carbon and creating a more resilient, biodiverse ecosystem.
• Biochar application: charcoal made from organic waste is added to the soil to boost fertility and store carbon for long periods, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
• Cover cropping and crop rotation: these practices improve soil structure, organic matter, nutrient cycling, erosion control and water retention.
• Composting and soil amendments: compost made from organic waste enriches the soil, recycles nutrients and reduces methane from waste that would otherwise decompose anaerobically.
• Precision irrigation systems: sensors and automated controls optimise water use and reduce runoff that carries nutrients and contributes to emissions.
• Biological pest control: beneficial insects, pheromone traps and plant-based repellents replace chemical pesticides while preserving ecological balance.
• Carbon footprint monitoring: advanced tools measure and report the carbon footprint to track progress and guide improvements. The stated goal is total net-zero emissions by 2030.
• Community engagement and education: the company educates local communities on sustainable practices and involves them in conservation to build a lasting sustainability culture.

Technological innovations and sustainability

• IoT and smart agriculture: Internet of Things devices monitor environmental conditions, soil moisture and crop health, providing real-time data for precise resource management.
• Drones and remote sensing: sensor- and camera-equipped drones monitor crop health, detect pests and assess soil, enabling targeted interventions that reduce chemical use.
• Blockchain for traceability: a secure, tamper-resistant record of farming practices supports transparency and trust with consumers and stakeholders.

Impact of sustainable and regenerative practices

• Improved soil health: organic farming, biochar and composting improve soil structure, fertility and microbial activity.
• Enhanced biodiversity: agroforestry, biological pest control and biodiversity hotspots support a wide range of species.
• Water conservation: precision irrigation and efficient water management reduce consumption.
• Economic benefits: lower input costs and higher productivity are expected, and organic or sustainably grown mangoes may command premium prices.

Commitment to a sustainable future

The company's commitment extends to social and economic sustainability, including fair wages, support for education and healthcare, and local economic development.

Gareth Cookson, Chief Operating Officer of the Plantations International Group of Companies, says that achieving CNA on the Thai mango plantations is a major milestone but "it's just the beginning". He states that the company will keep improving its practices, and that combining technology, regenerative methods and community engagement creates a model for sustainable farming.

About Plantations International

Plantations International is a leading provider of sustainable agricultural services across Asia, specialising in developing and managing sustainable plantation and farming projects. Its aim is to improve livelihoods and the environment through agricultural solutions.