Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA is actively advancing its commitment to sustainability through its latest pilot program, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with potato farming. Over the next three years, Ahold Delhaize USA will collaborate with The Campbell’s Company in a project aimed at implementing regenerative agriculture techniques across three farms located in North Carolina, New York, and Michigan. This initiative builds on the grocery retailer’s previous sustainability efforts and highlights a significant step towards responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship in agriculture.
The essence of this collaboration lies in the promotion of regenerative farming practices designed to enhance soil health and lower carbon emissions. With financial backing from both Ahold Delhaize USA and Campbell’s, the pilot will span 1,000 acres—an area approximately equal to that required annually for Campbell’s potato-based products sold under Ahold Delhaize USA’s various brands. This innovative approach intends to not only improve agricultural resilience but also to demonstrate a viable pathway for lowering emissions across the food supply chain.
Marc Stolzman, chief sustainability officer at Ahold Delhaize USA, expressed enthusiasm for the exploration of positive impacts that regenerative agriculture can yield on crops such as potatoes. He emphasized that both Ahold Delhaize and Campbell’s share strong commitments to environmental sustainability and are keen on identifying effective methods for collaboration that can make a tangible difference in the value chain.
Key practices being tested in this pilot initiative include cover cropping, compost application, nutrient management, and the conversion of traditional farming equipment to renewable energy sources. These methods are essential to enhancing soil quality, promoting biodiversity, and ultimately reducing the overall carbon footprint of potato farming. Moreover, the companies will assist farmers in measuring the effects of these practices on soil health and emissions, further contributing to the body of knowledge on sustainable agriculture.
The significance of potatoes extends beyond their role as a staple crop; they are integral to numerous products within the Campbell’s portfolio. Stewart Lindsay, Campbell’s chief sustainability officer, highlighted that such partnerships help connect their customers with the farmers growing vital ingredients, thus fostering a greater understanding of the sustainability measures at play throughout the supply chain.
Matt Maughan, director of agricultural innovation and sustainability at CSS Farms, which is participating in the pilot, expressed pride in advancing sustainability efforts through the support of Ahold Delhaize and Campbell’s. The collaborative spirit shown by these companies illustrates a commitment to enhancing agricultural practices while positively impacting the environment.
This potato farming initiative is the third scope 3 pilot program rolled out by Ahold Delhaize USA in recent months, joining previous collaborations with Kellanova and General Mills to address emissions related to wheat and other grains. The success of this pilot could lead to broader partnerships and more comprehensive sustainability efforts across various crops, creating an expansive impact on agricultural practices and emissions reduction.
Notably, Campbell’s has been proactive in regenerative agriculture efforts since 2023. Their sustainable agriculture program engages all potato suppliers, ensuring that responsible farming practices become part of the broader company ethos. Campbell’s expansions into other crops, including tomatoes and various grains, further demonstrate their commitment to sustainable sourcing.
As this pilot progresses, both companies aim to extract valuable insights that can inform future initiatives and broader industry practices. As Kendrick Repko, Ahold Delhaize USA’s director of sustainable products, noted, the learnings from these projects are crucial for scaling up sustainable practices across their supply chain.
Ahold Delhaize USA is a significant player in the North American grocery sector, ranking No. 11 on the Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of top food retailers. With its five omnichannel grocery brands, including Food Lion and Giant Food, the company has been recognized for its sustainable practices and contributions to responsible retailing.
The potato farming pilot represents another step toward enhancing the sustainability of the grocery industry, showcasing how collaborations can lead to meaningful environmental changes. The food retail sector stands at a pivotal point where consumer awareness and demand for sustainable practices are reshaping how food is sourced and produced.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Ahold Delhaize USA and Campbell’s to reduce potato farming emissions is a promising initiative that not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also sets a standard for future agricultural practices in the food industry.
