Mars, Incorporated has announced a $27 million investment over five years aimed at reducing carbon emissions in dairy farming. This initiative, known as the Farmer Forward Program, is a collaboration with New Zealand-based dairy cooperative Fonterra. The program’s goal is to promote sustainable farming practices among dairy suppliers.
The Farmer Forward Program allocates approximately half of the funding to provide sustainability-focused tools and technology to around 2,000 dairy farmers. The remaining funds are designated as financial incentives for approximately 165 farmers who achieve specific sustainability targets, with each eligible farmer receiving up to $15,000 annually.
Dairy production is a significant contributor to Mars’ carbon footprint, ranking as the fourth-largest source of emissions for the company. More than 200,000 cows supply dairy for Mars’ confectionery brands, including M&M’s and Snickers. Through this program, Mars aims to reduce its Scope 3 dairy sourcing emissions by over 150,000 metric tons by 2030, using a 2015 baseline for comparison.
This initiative is part of Mars’ broader Moo’ving Dairy Forward platform, launched to invest in technologies and partnerships that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its global dairy supply chain. In 2024, Mars committed $47 million to decrease the carbon footprint associated with the dairy used in its products.
Fonterra has a history of collaborating with companies to enhance sustainability in dairy farming. In 2022, Fonterra and Nestlé launched the Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm to explore methods for reducing on-farm emissions. Additionally, Fonterra dairy farmers participated in a Mars pilot program that provided tools and services aimed at lowering the carbon footprint of dairy sourcing.
These collaborative efforts reflect a growing trend of companies partnering to share resources and address environmental impacts in their supply chains.
Breaking supply chain news is just a click away at The Supply Chain Report. Enhance your knowledge of international trade at ADAMftd.com with free tools.
#MarsIncorporated #FarmerForwardProgram #SustainableDairy #Fonterra #CarbonReduction #DairyFarming #EcoFriendlyFarming #GreenAgriculture #Scope3Emissions #SustainableSupplyChain #MooVingDairyForward #ClimateAction #GHGReduction #DairySustainability #CorporateSustainability
