UPL, a global leader in sustainable agriculture, has been awarded the SBCOP Award in the Food Systems category at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The accolade recognizes UPL’s Low-Methane Rice Project, which targets methane reduction in rice farming across several regions. The award comes under the Sustainable Business COP (SBCOP) program, an international platform created by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) to enhance private sector involvement in climate action at COP30 and future climate gatherings.
Commenting on the recognition, Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO of UPL, said “We are delighted to receive the SBCOP Award, which highlights pioneering corporate efforts that tackle climate challenges and encourage sustainable food systems. UPL operates multiple initiatives worldwide, and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. This project enables farmers to adopt scientifically proven methods that improve productivity while reducing the environmental impact of rice cultivation. It reinforces our commitment to creating a climate-resilient agricultural future.”
The Low-Methane Rice Project aims to cut methane emissions in rice production by promoting the use of rice varieties that naturally emit less methane and integrating modern, climate-smart farming practices. The initiative also ties into UPL’s #AFarmerCan movement, which equips farmers around the world with knowledge, tools, and sustainable techniques to remain competitive amid growing climate pressures.
Ricardo Mussa, Chairman of SBCOP, noted “We received over 1,400 submissions from more than 600 organizations globally. Out of these, 670 high-impact, scalable projects were shortlisted. Selecting the final 48 winners required meticulous evaluation, and UPL rightfully earned its place among them.”
The SBCOP Awards celebrate projects that combine climate impact with economic viability and potential for replication on a global scale. The Sustainable Business COP (SBCOP), driven by the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI), aims to formalize and strengthen private sector engagement in shaping the global climate agenda. It promotes continuous business involvement in multilateral processes and encourages decisive action toward decarbonization, low-carbon development, and climate finance.
This recognition underscores UPL’s long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact, and helping farmers build resilience for the future. UPL Ltd is a leading global provider of sustainable agricultural products and solutions, supporting the entire agrifood value chain. With a presence in over 140 countries and annual revenues surpassing $5 billion, UPL ranks among the world’s largest and most influential agriculture companies.
The company operates through four focused business platforms: UPL Corporation Ltd (UPL Corp), UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), Advanta Enterprises Ltd, and Superform Chemistries Ltd. (formerly UPL Speciality Chemicals Ltd.). Each platform plays a strategic role in delivering value-driven, science-backed solutions for growers across the globe. Together, these entities reflect UPL’s mission of “Reimagining Sustainability”—driving innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in agriculture while addressing global food security and environmental challenges.
