#USA #Chicago #Mars #Protect the Peanut #agri-science

Mars Invests in the Future of Peanuts

Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in the snacking industry, has announced a significant investment of $5 million in its newly launched "Protect the Peanut Plan". This initiative is aimed at tackling the growing challenges facing peanut production, including crop losses attributed to pests and diseases, which currently prevent approximately 30% of peanuts from reaching consumers.

As one of the world's largest peanut buyers, purchasing over 300 million pounds annually to support its renowned brands like SNICKERS and M&M'S, Mars recognizes the urgent need to protect this vital source of nutrition. The company’s commitment extends beyond immediate market needs; it aims to ensure sustainable food security for millions of families worldwide.

Economically, the losses incurred from the inability to harvest healthy peanuts can amount to hundreds of millions of dollars for farmers. To combat this, the Protect the Peanut Plan will utilize advanced genetic research to develop hardier peanut varieties that are resilient against pests, diseases, and unpredictable climatic conditions.

The investment follows a robust decade of research funded by Mars, totaling approximately $10 million. This comprehensive approach to agricultural science incorporates groundbreaking genomic studies, including the mapping of more than 2.5 billion base pairs of DNA through the Peanut Genome Initiative, co-founded by Mars. The data generated from this initiative has become open-source, revolutionizing peanut breeding from trial and error to a field of genetic precision.

Amanda Davies, Chief RD, Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking, expressed her optimism: "We have long believed that Mars can play a unique role as an engine of innovation, which is why we're thinking in generations and betting big on science to protect the peanut. It is a commitment to progress that requires long-term investments and partnerships. We cannot leave the discovery of the perfect peanut to chance."

The Protect the Peanut Plan is already yielding positive results. Researchers at the University of Georgia's Wild Peanut Lab, a partner in the initiative, have successfully cultivated peanut varieties that have shown resilience under adverse conditions, leading to yield increases of up to 30%. One notable variety, Sempre Verde—currently being cultivated in Brazil—demonstrates strong growth without relying on fungicides, showcasing the potential for sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Soraya Bertioli, a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Georgia, emphasized the importance of Mars’s support: "Creating more resilient peanuts requires transformative science and robust partnerships. Breakthroughs in agricultural technology would not be possible without long-term investments by Mars."

In collaboration with several institutions including HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Mars is also exploring drought- and disease-resistant peanut varieties. The initiative seeks to utilize wild peanut species from Brazil to bolster peanut resilience, enhancing the overall robustness of the peanut supply chain.

Mars’s overarching commitment aligns with its sustainable development goals, aiming to implement its Sustainable in a Generation plan effectively. This ambitious agenda reflects a deep understanding that nurturing agricultural sustainability is crucial for both global food security and environmental stewardship.

To learn more about the Mars Protect the Peanut Plan, visit Mars's official website.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated operates with the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with today's business practices. With an estimated $55 billion in revenue, the family-owned business is influential in pet care, snacking, and food products. Its diverse range includes beloved brands such as ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, and DOVE®. The company is also committed to its Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—guiding its 150,000 associates in creating a better world for people, pets, and the planet.