Mars Invests $27 Million to Reduce Dairy Emissions and Empower Farmers

Mars' Commitment to a Sustainable Future for Dairy Farmers

In a significant step towards environmental stewardship, Mars, Incorporated has announced an ambitious initiative, the Farmer Forward Program, aimed at empowering dairy farmers to implement climate-smart agricultural practices. In partnership with Fonterra, one of the world's largest dairy producers, Mars is committing $27 million over a span of five years. This funding is designed to provide dairy farmers with essential tools and technology, while also offering cash incentives to those who meet rigorous sustainability targets.

The Farmer Forward Program is expected to benefit approximately 2,000 farmers, offering funding focused on sustainable on-farm technologies. Around $15,000 per year will be distributed to about 165 farmers who achieve significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mars aims to reduce its scope 3 emissions from dairy by over 150,000 metric tons by the year 2030, effectively removing the equivalent of 380 million miles of driving from the roads annually.

The scale of the initiative is impressive; it covers around 26,000 hectares of farmland—about 50,000 NFL football fields. The dairy produced through this program could hypothetically supply enough milk to create 20 billion SNICKERS® bars each year. This level of dairy production underlines the potential impact of the program in aiding Mars' broader environmental goals.

Mars has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Amanda Davies, Chief RD, Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking remarked, “Dairy farmers are on the front line of advancing climate-smart agriculture, which is why we're putting them first through the launch of our Farmer Forward program.” She emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative, highlighting that it not only aims to support sustainability but also to ensure dairy farmers can create resilient businesses for future generations.

Charlotte Rutherford, Director of Sustainability at Fonterra, praised the collaboration, stating how partnerships like these enable their farmer owners to achieve ambitious climate targets. With sustainability increasingly at the forefront of agricultural practices, this partnership signifies a vital step in fostering an industry-wide shift towards eco-friendly farming.

More than 200,000 cows supply milk for some of Mars' most beloved confectionery brands, including MM'S® and SNICKERS®. However, raw ingredients contribute to 65% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from Mars' snacking portfolio, making it crucial to address dairy-related emissions to fulfill the company's sustainability objectives as outlined in the Mars Net Zero Roadmap. This roadmap aspires to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across Mars' entire value chain by 2050.

Mars believes strongly in the principle that businesses can flourish while simultaneously working towards a healthier planet. Since 2015, the company has successfully reduced its GHG emissions by 16% globally, all while experiencing a 60% increase in annual sales. This shows that tangible progress towards environmental goals can coexist with business growth.

As Mars rolls out the Farmer Forward Program, the company is clearly committed to driving change within the dairy industry, fueling sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also support farmers economically. This investment is a strong message that the path to sustainability is paved with innovation, collaboration, and genuine support for the frontline agricultural community.

To learn more about Mars' commitment to sustainable dairy farming and their ongoing initiatives, visit www.mars.com.