As the global demand for food continues to rise, the agricultural industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. During Climate Week NYC, Kellanova, along with its partners Ahold Delhaize USA, Bartlett, and Arva Intelligence, highlighted the vital role regenerative agriculture plays in mitigating climate change and building a resilient food supply chain. The focus of these discussions centered on wheat farming, a staple crop essential to many of the world’s food products.
Kellanova, a leader in global snacking and plant-based foods, is spearheading efforts to integrate regenerative agriculture into wheat production. With a presence in 180 markets and a workforce of 23,000 employees, Kellanova’s portfolio includes iconic brands like Pringles, Cheez-It, and Pop-Tarts. Recognizing the environmental impact of agriculture, Kellanova has initiated a pilot program to promote regenerative wheat farming. The goal is clear: reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and improve the resilience of farms and the overall supply chain.
Regenerative Agriculture: A Key to Sustainable Farming
Regenerative agriculture goes beyond conventional methods by focusing on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. In Kellanova’s pilot program, farmers in Eastern North Carolina are growing regenerative wheat, supported by technical assistance from Bartlett’s certified crop advisors. These advisors guide farmers in adopting conservation practices that improve soil vitality, enhance water quality, and minimize emissions. The harvested regenerative wheat is then milled alongside conventionally grown wheat at Bartlett’s Wilson’s Mills facility and baked into Cheez-It® crackers at Kellanova’s North Carolina plant. These crackers are set to hit Ahold Delhaize USA store shelves in 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate regenerative practices into large-scale food production. Kellanova’s investment, along with financial backing from Ahold Delhaize USA and Bartlett, aims to make regenerative wheat a standard practice. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also builds farm resilience, ensuring the long-term sustainability of wheat farming in the region.
Industry-Wide Shift Towards Regenerative Practices
Kellanova isn’t the only food industry giant embracing regenerative agriculture. PepsiCo, a leader in the food and beverage sector, has long focused on sustainable sourcing of key ingredients like potatoes, corn, and oats. Margaret Henry, PepsiCo’s Vice President of Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture, noted her personal connection to agriculture, having grown up on a farm. PepsiCo’s dedication to sustainable farming is reflected in their growing use of regenerative practices, which contribute to the health of crops, water systems, and ecosystems.
Similarly, Cargill has partnered with the Soil Health Institute to promote regenerative practices among North American farmers. Cargill’s regenerative agriculture programs have made significant advances in water conservation, increasing water supplies by 3.4 billion liters in 2023 and reducing pollutants by over 60 metric tonnes. These initiatives demonstrate that regenerative agriculture has wide-reaching benefits beyond soil health, positively impacting water quality and overall ecosystem stability.
Collaboration is the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
The collaboration between Kellanova, Bartlett, Ahold Delhaize USA, and Arva Intelligence during Climate Week NYC underscores the importance of a united approach to sustainable agriculture. Regenerative wheat farming represents just one example of how the industry can work together to create meaningful change. By investing in soil health, reducing emissions, and ensuring the long-term viability of food production, companies like Kellanova are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
As more industry leaders adopt regenerative agriculture, the benefits will extend beyond just environmental gains. Enhanced farm resilience, reduced dependency on chemical inputs, and improved food security are all outcomes of these forward-thinking initiatives. The success of Kellanova’s program demonstrates the potential for regenerative practices to transform the agricultural landscape and support both farmers and consumers in the years to come.
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