THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
granular insights into performance and risk. In the United States, similar data-led approaches have farmers reviewing metrics and identifying improvement opportunities.
Technology, however, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rowan acknowledges a technology skills gap in some sourcing regions, especially where producers are smallholder farmers in places like rural China or seaweed growers in Zanzibar.
In those contexts, Tate & Lyle focuses on in-person training, simple tools and basic agronomy, sometimes with NGOs and local universities acting as critical intermediaries. He believes AI and digital tools will have“ a major impact on agricultural farming in the future”, particularly for forecasting weather, guiding crop rotation and optimising inputs, but stresses that adoption must match local capabilities.
“ Technology will massively help farmers, as long as they can use the data to improve yields and environmental performance,” Rowan says.
Purpose as the glue in a transforming business If climate strategy gives Tate & Lyle direction, purpose –“ transforming lives through the science of food” – provides the glue that holds a global, 166‐year‐old organisation together.
“ Purpose shouldn’ t be a top-down dictate,” he says.“ It has to align with employees’ values and what they know they are doing every day.”
28 February 2026