Bartlett, a prominent grain merchandiser and processor in the United States, has joined forces with grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize USA. Along with a global snacking leader Kellanova to launch a pioneering initiative aimed at reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wheat farming. Announced on June 17, this partnership leverages financial investments.
It will support regenerative agricultural practices among wheat farmers in North Carolina. The wheat grown by this operation will go toward making Kellanova’s Club and Cheez-It crackers. This will be available in Ahold Delhaize USA shops starting in 2025.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
The pilot program, commencing this summer, represents a concerted effort by the three companies to foster sustainable agriculture. By investing in regenerative practices, the initiative aims to enhance soil health. Additionally it will also improve water quality, and reduce emissions. Growers in eastern North Carolina will cultivate regenerative wheat under the direction of certified crop experts from Bartlett. These advisers will offer technical assistance to help farmers implement conservation practices effectively.
Bartlett, North Carolina’s largest flour miller, plays a crucial role in this initiative. With mills in Statesville and Wilson’s Mills, the latter of which recently underwent significant expansion, Bartlett is well-positioned to mill the regenerative wheat. This flour will then be used by Kellanova to bake Cheez-It and Club crackers in their Cary, NC facility. The final products will reach the shelves of over 2,000 Ahold Delhaize USA stores by 2025.
Enhancing Sustainability Across the Supply Chain
This collaboration underscores the commitment of all three companies to enhancing sustainability across the milling and baking supply chain. Bob Knief, president of Bartlett, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. Thus highlighting the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and support for North Carolina wheat farmers. Which will help in optimizing their sustainability performance. This initiative aligns with Bartlett’s broader goals of improving on-farm environmental outcomes. Simultaneously increasing overall sustainability within the industry.
Kellanova’s involvement is part of its broader “Kellanova Better Days Promise,” which focuses on reducing emissions and promoting the well-being of people. This includes the farmers, throughout the food value chain. Carrie Sander, chief customer officer for Kellanova North America, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals. By collaborating with Ahold Delhaize USA and Bartlett, Kellanova aims to improve outcomes. These outcomes will be beneficial for wheat farmers while working toward its emissions reduction targets.
Measuring and Verifying Impact
To ensure the success and scalability of this initiative, Arva Intelligence will utilize its CropForce platform to measure, report, and verify the impacts on emissions reductions. This technology will provide valuable agronomic insights into farm and supply chain resiliency. Thus enabling the partners to refine their strategies and potentially expand their Scope 3 initiatives in the future.
Marc Stolzman, chief sustainability officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, highlighted the critical importance of this program. Although noting that 95% of the company’s emissions reside in Scope 3. By generating actionable data and insights, this initiative will help Ahold Delhaize USA make significant progress toward its Net Zero goals. This will pave the way for future collaborations aimed at reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Empowering Farmers and Scaling Up
The pilot program specifically targets farmers who have already implemented regenerative agricultural practices. This approach aims to cultivate a knowledgeable base of experienced farmers who can mentor new ones. This can facilitate a broader transition to sustainable practices. Production a farming is set to begin this summer, with the first crackers made from regenerative wheat expected to hit store shelves in 2025. The learnings from this pilot will be crucial in scaling up and refining future sustainability initiatives.
This partnership between Bartlett, Ahold Delhaize USA, and Kellanova represents a significant step toward reducing GHG emissions. In the wheat farming sector and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By working together, these companies aim to create a healthier planet and a more resilient food value chain, benefiting both the environment and the farming community.
