ADM is scaling up efforts to enhance the sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the value chains in which it operates, and one of the critical pillars of that bold agenda is leadership in supporting the global expansion of regenerative agriculture, an outcome-based farming approach that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate and water resources while supporting farming business development.
The company has a broad and ambitious approach to expanding regenerative agriculture, working with partners spanning the value chain, connecting farmers to end customers, technology providers and technical experts. After enrolling more than 2.8 million acres in regenerative agriculture programs in 2023, it is continuing to ramp up efforts to build toward 5 million acres by 2025.
One of the ways we're expanding is by adding new crops and new partners, which is why we're proud to have reached an innovative agreement under which Golden Peanut, our wholly owned peanut processing subsidiary, will collaborate with The J.M. Smucker Co. and the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) to support the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across 20,000 peanut acres in the southeast United States.
As with ADM's other regenerative agriculture efforts spanning the globe, Golden Peanut's work with Smucker will 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 for farmers from both internal and third-party experts, including the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.
Regenerative practices covered by the program will include continuous living roots (cover crops), improved fertilizer and pesticide efficiency and use of reduced tillage practices. Emissions benefits will be calculated using Field to Market methodologies and removals will be calculated using COMET Planner.
The three-year agreement, spanning 2024-2026, covers 20,000 peanut acres per year, and includes a commitment that 5,000 acres per year will be affiliated with the National Black Growers Council.
Sustainability is a foundation of ADM's purpose as a company and a pillar of our growth strategy, and regenerative agriculture is one of the ways it is decarbonizing the industries in which it operates.
