ADM has partnered with Mars Petcare US, Inc. and Royal Canin to bring regenerative agriculture to the pet food industry. This partnership is part of ADM’s larger goal of converting 5 million acres to regenerative agriculture by 2025.
 
ADM’s agreements with Mars and Royal Canin support and provide financial incentives to corn farmers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska for using regenerative practices like cover crops, no-till, fertilizer efficiency programs, and efficient herbicide and pesticide use. These practices aim to deliver increased yields, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality, enhanced soil health, and greater biodiversity where implemented.
 
Gradable will serve as a measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification partner using the COMET planner tool and Fieldprint Platform metrics. The multi-year initiative aims to cover more than 100,000 U.S. acres alone.
 
“Transforming a value chain takes commitment from partners spanning that value chain,” said John Grossmann, president of North American oilseeds, crush, and grain at ADM. “It takes dedication from farmers to enroll in these programs and practice certain regenerative techniques. It takes participation by technical experts, from our Gradable joint venture to the agronomic experts that work with farmers to implement these practices. And it takes downstream partners that are committed to being leaders in sustainability. We’re proud to have partners like that in Mars Petcare US, Inc. and Royal Canin, and we’re excited to work with them as ADM continues to expand our global regenerative agriculture work toward our goal of 5 million acres in 2025.”
 
“At Mars, we recognize that an important part of achieving our climate goals is addressing the environmental footprint of our ingredients,” said Jon Peattie, commercial senior vice president at Mars Petcare US, Inc. “Our commitment to regenerative agriculture is a key component of our broader sustainability strategy. These partnerships reflect our dedication to reducing our environmental impact, supporting farmer livelihoods, and helping to ensure a resilient supply chain for the long term.”
 
“Royal Canin is committed to offering pet owners sustainable choices when feeding their pets, and that starts in part with how their food is grown,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs at Royal Canin. “We are committed to working with suppliers and partners to help farmers implement agriculture practices to help reduce our carbon footprint and support the resilience of the people throughout our supply chains.”
 
ADM offers a wide range of programs to suit the varied needs of all farmers, the company reported, and to work best with their individual situations, the company offers direct financial incentives, easy processes, and emerging technologies to ensure low barreirs to entry, as well as support and guidance from internal and third-party experts.
 
ADM has expanded its work in regenerative agriculture around the globe, and works with multiple downstream customers including Ooni Pizza Ovens, the J.M. Smucker Co., PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Carlsberg.
 
ADM converted more than 2.8 million acres to regenerative agriculture in 2023, and has est a goal of 3.5 million regenerative acres by the end of 2024 and 5 million acres by 2025.