ADM, a global leader in sustainable agriculture supply chains, is taking a major step towards promoting regenerative agriculture with the expansion of its re:generationsâ„¢ program. Following the successful enrollment of more than 1 million acres in 2022, ADM is committed to covering 2 million acres in 2023, with the ultimate goal of reaching 4 million acres globally by 2025. This expansion aims to offer North American producers financial incentives and technical support to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, contributing to a positive impact on the environment and soil health.
Paul Scheetz, Director of Climate Smart Ag Origination at ADM, highlights the company's ability to scale regenerative agriculture practices globally, thanks to its extensive value chain. The program's efforts were recognized with a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will provide additional funding directly to producers. By incentivizing practices such as cover cropping, improved nutrient management, and conservation tillage, ADM aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase soil carbon sequestration, improve water quality, and promote biodiversity.
The re:generationsâ„¢ program aims to attach positive environmental impacts to the food, feed, and fuel ingredients created by the company. The program offers financial and technical support to producers adopting or continuing regenerative agriculture practices, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality and soil health, and enhancing biodiversity. By partnering with downstream customers, technology providers, and conservation organizations, ADM strives to create value for the entire value chain and promote regenerative agriculture on a large scale. To date, the program offers producers in 18 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces premium payments ranging up to $25 an acre per year. Moreover, they may receive an additional per bushel premium for grain delivered to ADM. The program is designed as a menu-based system to simplify adoption, with short-term agreements and localized support for producers.
To streamline the enrollment process, ADM will expand the availability of Farmers Business Network's Gradable digital farm-management tool. This will facilitate data collection and enable ADM to pay producers quickly following each program year. Additionally, technical assistance partners, including organizations like American Farmland Trust, Ducks Unlimited, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, and Practical Farmers of Iowa, will provide support on a state-by-state basis.
In-person informational meetings will be conducted by ADM program managers in July and August, educating producers on the program and its offerings and allowing them to start the enrollment process. This timing aligns with producers' decision-making processes for their fall cover crop plan and spring planting decisions in 2024.
Greg Morris, President of ADM's Ag Services & Oilseeds business, emphasizes the company's commitment to sustainability and protecting the planet, communities, and people. Scaling up the re:generationsâ„¢ program is a crucial step towards meeting the demand for sustainably sourced products and creating a more sustainable future.