Chicago, IL—ADM’s global regenerative agriculture program expanded to more than 2.8 million acres in 2023, the company shared, exceeding its 2 million acre goal. And there’s more to come: ADM is targeting 3.5 million regenerative acres in 2024 and is increasing its 2025 goal from 4 million to 5 million acres globally.
What is regenerative agriculture?
ADM defines regenerative agriculture as "an outcome-based farming approach that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate, and water resources while supporting farming business development." Regen ag is adaptive to local physical conditions and culture, the company adds, and is based on five principles of land management:
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Maintaining living roots in soil
- Continuously covering bare soil
- Maximizing diversity with an emphasis on crops, soil microbes and pollinators; and
- Responsibly managing inputs, including nutrients and pesticides.
Partnering on regen ag
“ADM is scaling up efforts to enhance the sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the value chains in which we operate, and our leadership in regenerative agriculture is a key driver of that bold agenda,” said Greg Morris, President of ADM’s Ag Services and Oilseeds business. “We know that farmers are stewards of the land, and we offer an array of programs that meet their varied needs and empower each of them in the ways that work best for their individual situations. At the same time, we know that retail and CPG leaders understand the urgency of expanding regenerative agriculture to meet consumer demand, and we’re bringing those downstream customers together with farmers to ensure we’re meeting their needs. This collaborative approach, spanning the value chain, has demonstrated its value through our more than 2.8 million regenerative agriculture acres in 2023, and we’re excited to continue to expand our program and lead in this important global effort.”
In 2023, ADM expanded its regenerative agriculture efforts globally, with the launch of programs in Europe and Latin America. ADM partnered with more than 28,000 growers of corn, soybeans, wheat, peanuts, cotton, sorghum, canola and barley, and the farms saw improvements in soil health and carbon footprint.
In November 2023, ADM issued its first regenerative agriculture report, which details the company's priorities, goals, programs and achievements. An updated report is expected later this year.
ADM also shared its focus on creating value for the entire value chain by partnering to implement and scale regenerative agriculture, working with downstream customers (like PepsiCo, Nestlé and Carlsberg), as well as technology partners like Farmers Business Network and conservation organizations like Practical Farmers of Iowa, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust.
ADM also participates in industry initiatives and coalitions such as Field to Market, Cool Farm Alliance and Sustainable Agriculture Initiative; works with diverse partners like the National Black Growers Council; and leverages funding opportunities to bring more value to farmers, such as through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as well as participation in USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.
