ADM, a global human and animal nutrition company, has expanded its global regenerative agriculture programme to more than 2.8 million acres, 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 to 5 million acres globally.
“We know that farmers are stewards of the land, and we offer an array of programs 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.” Said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services and Oilseeds business
Expanding partnerships
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 programmes 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, programs 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.
