Mars, Incorporated has announced a series of major partnerships aimed at scaling regenerative agriculture practices across its European pet nutrition supply chain. The multiyear collaborations involve suppliers like Cargill and ADM, as well as technical experts Biospheres, Horta, Agreena and Soil Capital.
The initiative focuses on supporting farmers in Poland, Hungary and the UK with financial incentives and expert advisory services to adopt regenerative practices, including crop rotation, minimal tillage and cover crops. These efforts aim to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhance water quality while building a more resilient supply chain.
“At Mars, we know businesses like ours play a key role in securing a sustainable future for pet food. Healthy soil is the backbone of a resilient food system,” said Deri Watkins, regional president, Mars Pet Nutrition Europe. “Through these partnerships, we’re extremely proud to be playing our part in driving regenerative agriculture practices across Europe, restoring soil health, cutting carbon, and building a stronger and more sustainable supply chain for farmers and future generations of pets and pet parents.”
Key partnerships and initiatives
- Cargill RegenConnect (Poland): Farmers in Poland will receive payments for carbon sequestration through regenerative practices on over 4,600 hectares from 2024 to 2026. The program includes on-site agronomic support for crop rotation and cover cropping.
- Horta (Hungary): This initiative supports farmers across 3,600 hectares of wheat and maize crops by providing data-driven guidance on irrigation, fertilizer use, and tillage reduction.
- Soil Capital (UK): Focused on transitioning wheat farmers to regenerative methods, this program covers 3,200 hectares between 2024 and 2028, aiming to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
- Biospheres and Agreena (Hungary): A three-year partnership promoting regenerative wheat farming on 5,500 hectares through economic incentives and technical support.
- ADM (Poland): A five-year program (2023–2028) supporting 4,000 hectares of wheat crops with financial incentives to adopt regenerative practices, focusing on soil health and carbon sequestration.
Measuring progress
Mars will track the projects’ impact using measurement, reporting, and verification systems, ensuring transparency and accountability. These partnerships align with Mars’ broader climate goals, including its Net Zero Roadmap and commitment to scaling climate-smart agriculture across more than one million acres globally by 2030.
The initiative contributes to Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which recently reported an 8% reduction in GHG emissions, doubling progress across its full value chain since 2015. With nearly 60% of its GHG footprint tied to agricultural ingredients, Mars aims to expand regenerative practices to further decarbonize its supply chain.
Mars said its partnerships highlight its commitment to fostering ecosystem resilience, supporting local economies and ensuring a sustainable pet food supply.
In October, Mars announced partnerships to provide financial incentives for wheat, corn and rice farmers in North America to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, supporting scope 3 carbon reductions under the Mars Net Zero Roadmap.
Multiyear partnerships have begun with partners and suppliers including ADM, The Andersons, Riceland Foods, and Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, led by Royal Canin USA and Mars Petcare US. Key agricultural regions covered are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
Learn more about our Sustainable in a Generation Report.
According to Petfood Industry’s top companies database, Mars Petcare’s annual revenue in 2023 reached US$20 billion. Mars Petcare is one of the top pet food companies. Its nearly 50 pet food brands include several billion-dollar brands.
Adapted from a press release.
