Ahold Delhaize USA and General Mills have announced a strategic partnership to tackle Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by supporting regenerative farming practices in key agricultural regions. The initiative focuses on co-investments in "supply sheds," or specific growing regions where key ingredients like wheat and oats are sourced, benefiting both companies' shared value chains.
In collaboration with the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), the program will provide farmers in Kansas and Saskatchewan, Canada, with technical and financial support to implement regenerative farming techniques, including cover cropping and nutrient management. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health through field sampling and modeling.
“This relationship emphasizes how strategic collaboration is essential for addressing climate impacts and creating positive environmental outcomes,” said Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize USA.
By the end of 2025, the program aims to enhance regenerative agriculture management on over 70,000 acres of farmland, the equivalent of the area used to source key ingredients for products sold at Ahold Delhaize USA’s grocery brands such as Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop.
Mary Jane Melendez, Chief Sustainability and Global Impact Officer at General Mills, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture: “Ahold Delhaize USA is a natural fit for collaboration with shared goals of creating a more healthy and resilient food system.”
The ESMC will oversee the program, measuring and verifying the environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas reductions and soil carbon sequestration. Debbie Reed, ESMC’s Executive Director, highlighted the mutual benefits for producers, corporations, and consumers through co-investing in sustainable agricultural solutions.
This initiative marks Ahold Delhaize USA’s second farmland-focused Scope 3 pilot this year, furthering the company's commitment to sustainability through industry collaboration.
