Ahold Delhaize, General Mills partner to cut greenhouse gas emissions

USA – Ahold Delhaize USA, a multinational wholesaler, and General Mills, owner of the Blue Buffalo pet food brand, have forged a strategic partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting regenerative farming practices. 

This collaboration targets Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions from the supply chain—and aims to transform agricultural practices in key regions where both companies source ingredients like wheat and oats. 

By focusing on these “supply sheds” in Kansas and Saskatchewan, Canada, the initiative advances environmental goals and enhances both companies’ shared value chains.

Established with the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), the partnership will provide farmers with financial and technical support to adopt regenerative farming techniques, such as cover cropping and nutrient management. 

The overarching objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health through field sampling and modelling. 

This hands-on support is designed to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices, thereby contributing to long-term environmental benefits.

Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize USA, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change. 

“This relationship emphasizes how strategic collaboration is essential for addressing climate impacts and creating positive environmental outcomes,” Stolzman said, highlighting the critical role partnerships play in creating scalable solutions for the food industry.

The initiative aims to implement regenerative agriculture management across more than 70,000 acres of farmland by the end of 2025, roughly the area needed to supply key ingredients for Ahold Delhaize USA’s grocery brands. 

These brands include well-known names such as Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop, further underscoring the widespread impact of this initiative.

General Mills, a longtime proponent of sustainability, echoed the importance of this partnership. 

“Ahold Delhaize USA is a natural fit for collaboration with shared goals of creating a more healthy and resilient food system,” said Mary Jane Melendez, Chief Sustainability and Global Impact Officer at General Mills. 

The company has been deeply involved in regenerative agriculture, and this partnership further extends its commitment to improving environmental outcomes in its supply chain.

The ESMC will play a crucial role in the project, tasked with measuring and verifying the environmental impacts, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increased soil carbon sequestration.

Debbie Reed, Executive Director of the ESMC, emphasised the importance of co-investment in sustainable agriculture. 

“This initiative offers mutual benefits for producers, corporations, and consumers by investing in sustainable agricultural solutions,” Reed noted, pointing to the far-reaching effects such collaborations can have.

This marks Ahold Delhaize USA’s second farmland-focused Scope 3 emissions pilot this year, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to industry collaboration and sustainability. 

Meanwhile, General Mills continues to develop innovative solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, even as it navigates challenges in other business areas.

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