ADM and Kellanova are celebrating the culmination of two years of successful collaboration supporting US farmers and agricultural resilience, bringing together the companies' shared commitment to the land, farmers and responsible stewardship.
The initiative, spanning the 2023 and 2024 crop years, focussed on approximately 120,000 acres of cotton sourced from more than 180 farms across Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
ADM and Kellanova engaged directly with farmers to incentivise regenerative agriculture practices (such as planting cover crops and reduced tillage) that protect and improve the natural resources that farmers and agriculture depend on.
Real impact by reducing emissions
Combined with the efficient use of fertiliser, fuel and crop inputs, growers in the programme in 2024 reduced GHG emissions by an estimated 16,000 tonnes and models show 42,000 tonnes of carbon sequestered in the soil.
The impressive feat is equivalent to removing more than 13,000 gas-powered cars from the road for a year.
Farmers also scored 85% on the programme's habitat potential index, demonstrating that farms almost maximised opportunities for biodiversity.
"Around the globe, our regenerative agriculture efforts are supporting farmers' livelihoods and legacies, enhancing the resilience of global supply chains and creating business value for customers and ADM alike," said John Grossmann, President, North America Oilseed Crush and Grain at ADM.
"We are excited to partner with a company that shares our commitment to building a more resilient future for our food system and meeting customers' demand for sustainably sourced products."
ADM's regenerative agriculture efforts with farmers expanded to 5 million acres globally in 2024.
"We know that our success as a company depends on the health of crops and the farmers who grow them—they are the foundations of the iconic foods we produce for people to enjoy," said Manuel Lopez-Portillo, Vice President, North America Supply Chain at Kellanova.
"That's why we work with expert partners such as ADM on programmes such as this one in the south-east of the US to build sustainable value chains that improve the livelihoods of the farmers and ensure the quality of our ingredients."
Improving farmers' livelihoods
Of the total acreage, 15,000 are farmed by members of the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), a farmer-run organisation dedicated to improving the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of Black row crop farmers.
As part of its Better Days Promise goal to advance the well-being of people in its food value chain, Kellanova has supported NBGC farmers since 2023 through a partnership with its Eggo brand.
This regenerative cotton programme furthers its commitment to supporting the livelihood of U.S. farmers.
ADM Climate-Smart Manager Emmanuel Bankston, who is also a farmer himself, speaks regularly with growers to help them implement practices.
He also brings his own experience to help them adapt to the programme.
"I understand farming challenges such as weather, input prices and commodity prices, which helps me relate to growers," he explained.
"I'm not speaking to them as someone trying to sell something. I'm speaking to them as a person who knows what may benefit their operation based on my experience."
Emmanuel raises cattle on 400 acres in Headland County, Alabama, using rotational grazing amongst other practices in a holistic approach to regenerative agriculture.
"It all boils down to healthy soil," he said.
"Whether you're growing crops or grass for your cattle, soil is the driving force, so those regenerative practices – not overusing the soil, giving it time to rest, planting cover crops to add more nutrients and organic matter – are super important."