In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, General Mills and Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) have announced a partnership aimed at transitioning over 70,000 acres of farmland in Kansas and Saskatchewan to regenerative agriculture practices by the end of 2025. This collaboration represents a strategic effort to enhance environmental stewardship within their shared supply chain, focusing on “priority supply sheds” — specific geographic areas where both companies source their ingredients.
The initiative involves co-investment from both companies to provide farmers in these regions with the necessary technical and financial support to adopt regenerative agriculture practices. These practices include cover cropping and nutrient management, which are designed to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Jay Watson, director of regenerative agriculture at General Mills, emphasized the significance of this supply shed approach, stating, “This supports change at the farm level, which benefits all companies and stakeholders connected to the landscapes and works to create positive environmental impacts.”
The partnership is facilitated by the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to compensating farmers for implementing regenerative practices. ESMC will play a crucial role in quantifying the impact of these practices, partnering with independent certifiers to verify reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon sequestration. Watson noted that ESMC’s tracking of verified outcomes will allow multiple stakeholders within the value chain to co-invest in program delivery and share the environmental benefits.
This collaboration builds on General Mills’ ongoing commitment to regenerative agriculture, which began in 2019 when the company pledged to transition 1 million acres by 2030. General Mills has also set ambitious targets to reduce its overall emissions by 30% by 2030 through a commitment with the Science Based Targets initiative. The company has engaged in various projects since its initial pledge, including partnerships with the American Farmland Trust and Rodale Institute in California, as well as a collaboration with Walmart to transition an additional 60,000 acres by 2030.
For Ahold Delhaize, this initiative marks its first farmland-focused pilot utilizing a supply shed approach, a shift from previous crop-specific strategies. The company has set its own sustainability goals, aiming for a 50% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, along with a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions. Kendrick Repko, director of sustainable products for ADUSA, highlighted the importance of this pilot, noting that it aligns with the company’s broader sustainability efforts, which include projects focused on both farmland and aquaculture.
The announcement of this partnership comes at a time when the food industry is increasingly recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices. As consumers demand more transparency and accountability from food producers, initiatives like this one not only address environmental concerns but also enhance the resilience of agricultural systems. By investing in regenerative agriculture, General Mills and Ahold Delhaize are taking proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve soil health, and support local farming communities.
As the partnership progresses, both companies are expected to share insights and learnings, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages further innovation in sustainable practices. With additional scope 3 pilots planned, including a regenerative wheat initiative supporting ADUSA’s Cheez-It brand, the partnership signifies a growing trend in the industry towards collective action in achieving sustainability goals.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond immediate environmental benefits; they also signal a shift in how major food companies approach their sourcing and supply chain strategies. By prioritizing regenerative agriculture, General Mills and Ahold Delhaize are not only enhancing their own sustainability credentials but also setting a precedent for others in the industry to follow.