Mars and Fonterra Partner to Launch Sustainability-Driven Farmer Forward Program
Mars, Incorporated has announced an ambitious sustainability initiative in collaboration with Fonterra, one of the world's leading dairy suppliers. The Farmer Forward Program, backed by a $27 million USD investment, is a five-year plan aiming to transform dairy farming practices and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In a strategic move to promote climate-resilient agriculture, Mars plans to fund sustainable tools and technologies for approximately 2,000 Fonterra farmers. Additionally, 165 farmers who achieve notable progress toward sustainability targets will receive an annual cash incentive, averaging $15,000 USD per farmer.
This collaboration seeks to cut Mars' scope 3 dairy emissions by over 150,000 metric tons by 2030, equating to removing more than 380 million miles driven by cars. The program covers 26,000 hectares of farmland, potentially producing milk for 20 billion SNICKERS bars annually, symbolizing the vast scale of this agricultural venture.
Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking, stated, "Dairy farmers are pivotal to advanced climate-smart agriculture. Through this initiative, we're investing approximately $27 million in Fonterra farming families to offer essential financial support and drive substantial emissions reductions."
This aligns with Mars' broader Moo'ving Dairy Forward initiative aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, trailing back to a 2015 baseline, and achieving Net Zero by 2050. Fonterra's Director of Sustainability, Charlotte Rutherford, highlighted the importance of this partnership in reaching shared climate ambitions.
Dairy represents Mars' fourth-largest carbon footprint source. This program is crucial for achieving the company’s sustainability goals, as raw ingredients account for 65% of Mars' snacking portfolio's greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2015, Mars has reduced its worldwide emissions by 16% while witnessing a 60% increase in annual global sales.
Mars, Incorporated, a $50 billion+ family-owned business, manages a diverse portfolio consisting of renowned brands such as M&M'S, SNICKERS, and pet care lines. For more information, visit www.mars.com.
