ADM surpasses 2m acre target for regenerative agriculture by 2023

ADM has announced that its global regenerative agriculture program expanded to more than 2.8 million acres in 2023, exceeding its 2 million acre goal. In addition, the company announced that it is targeting 3.5 million regenerative acres in 2024 and is increasing its 2025 goal from 4 million to 5 million acres globally.

“ADM is scaling up efforts to enhance the sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the value chains in which we operate, and our leadership in regenerative agriculture is a key driver of that bold agenda,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag services and oilseeds business.

“We know that farmers are stewards of the land, and we offer an array of programmes that meet their varied needs and empower each of them in the ways that work best for their individual situations. At the same time, we know that retail and CPG leaders understand the urgency of expanding regenerative agriculture to meet consumer demand, and we’re bringing those downstream customers together with farmers to ensure we’re meeting their needs.

“This collaborative approach, spanning the value chain, has demonstrated its value through our more than 2.8 million regenerative agriculture acres in 2023, and we’re excited to continue to expand our program and lead in this important global effort.”

ADM partnered with more than 28,000 growers of corn, soybeans, wheat, peanuts, cotton, sorghum, canola and barley in 2023 as it expanded its regenerative agriculture efforts globally, including the launch of new programs in Europe and Latin America. Participating farms again saw improvements in soil health and carbon footprint.

Last November, ADM issued its first-ever regenerative agriculture report, detailing priorities, goals, programmes and achievements to date. The company expects to issue an updated detailed report later this year.

ADM defines regenerative agriculture as an outcome-based farming approach that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate and water resources while supporting farming business development. Regenerative agriculture is adaptive to local physical conditions and culture, and is based on five principles of land management:

• Minimising soil disturbance
• Maintaining living roots in soil
• Continuously covering bare soil
• Maximising diversity with an emphasis on crops, soil microbes and pollinators
• Responsibly managing inputs, including nutrients and pesticides.

ADM believes it offers unparalleled capabilities to create value for the entire value chain by partnering to implement and scale regenerative agriculture, working with downstream customers like PepsiCo, Nestlé and Carlsberg; technology partners like Farmers Business Network; and conservation organisations like Practical Farmers of Iowa, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust.

In addition, ADM participates in industry initiatives and coalitions such as Field to Market, Cool Farm Alliance and Sustainable Agriculture Initiative; works with diverse partners like the National Black Growers Council; and leverages funding opportunities to bring more value to farmers, such as through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as well as participation in USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.

ADM’s regenerative agriculture programs feature direct financial support for farmers; easy processes and cutting-edge technologies to ensure low barriers to entry; and a broad range of support and guidance from both internal and third-party experts.

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