As ADM expands its efforts to increase sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in the value chains in which it operates, one key pillar of its bold plans is its leadership in supporting the global expansion of regenerative agriculture, an outcomes-based approach to agriculture that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate and water resources while supporting agricultural business development.
The company is taking a broad and ambitious approach to scaling regenerative agriculture, working with partners across the value chain and connecting farmers with end customers, technology providers and technical experts. After enrolling more than 2.8 million acres in its regenerative agriculture programs in 2023, the company continues to ramp up efforts to expand to 5 million acres by 2025.
One of the ways we grow our business is by adding new crops and new partners, which is why we are proud to announce that our wholly owned peanut processing subsidiary, Golden Peanut, has signed an innovative agreement to work with The J.M. Smucker Co. and the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) to help implement regenerative agriculture practices on 20,000 acres of peanut farms in the southeastern United States.
Like other regenerative agriculture initiatives rolled out by ADM around the world, Golden Peanuts and Smucker’s collaboration will feature direct financial assistance to farmers, a simple process and cutting-edge technology that ensures a low barrier to entry, and extensive support and guidance for farmers from in-house and third-party experts, including the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.
Regenerative practices covered under the program include continuous growing roots (cover crops), improved fertilizer and pesticide efficiency, and the use of reduced-tillage practices. Emissions reductions are calculated using the Field to Market methodology, and removals are calculated using the COMET Planner.
The three-year agreement, which runs from 2024 to 2026, covers 20,000 acres of peanut farming annually and includes a commitment to affiliating 5,000 acres per year to the National Black Growers Council.
Sustainability is a foundation of ADM’s purpose and a pillar of its growth strategy, and regenerative agriculture is one way the company is decarbonizing the industries in which it operates.
