Mars, Incorporated has announced a $27 million investment in a sustainability initiative in partnership with Fonterra, a leading dairy supplier. The program, called the ‘Farmer Forward Program,’ aims to assist approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in reducing on-farm emissions through advanced tools and financial incentives. The initiative is expected to cut Mars’ scope 3 dairy emissions by over 150,000 metric tons by 2030.
Mars, Incorporated, a global food giant known for brands like M&M’s and Snickers, has announced a groundbreaking $27 million USD sustainability initiative in collaboration with Fonterra, a leading dairy supplier. The initiative, named the ‘Farmer Forward Program,’ is set to revolutionize dairy farming by equipping farmers with tools and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The five-year program is designed to support approximately 2,000 dairy farmers, providing them with resources and training to implement more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the initiative will reward around 165 farmers annually with cash incentives averaging $15,000 USD for meeting key sustainability milestones.
According to Mars, this strategic effort is projected to reduce its scope 3 dairy emissions by over 150,000 metric tons by 2030. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to eliminating emissions from over 380 million miles driven, based on estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Equivalency Calculator.
A Step Towards Net-Zero Goals
The sustainability commitment is part of Mars’ broader ‘Moo’ving Dairy Forward’ initiative, a multimillion-dollar platform aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its dairy supply chain. Mars has set ambitious climate targets, including a 50% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Fonterra’s Director of Sustainability, Charlotte Rutherford, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that it represents a crucial step toward achieving industry-wide climate goals. She praised Mars’ leadership in sustainability and emphasized the shared commitment to a greener future for the dairy sector.
Global Implications for the Dairy Industry
As the dairy industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, collaborations like the Mars-Fonterra partnership set a precedent for large-scale emission reduction efforts. By integrating sustainability into the supply chain and providing tangible incentives for farmers, the initiative aims to create lasting change in dairy production practices.
Mars’ investment underscores the growing importance of corporate responsibility in addressing climate change. As the program unfolds over the next five years, industry stakeholders will closely monitor its impact on emission reduction and sustainable dairy farming.
With sustainability taking center stage in the global food industry, Mars’ $27 million commitment serves as a significant step toward a more environmentally responsible dairy sector.
