Key Takeaways:
- Kellanova and ADM collaborate with more than 180 farmers across 120,000 acres in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia
- Regenerative practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage reduce emissions and improve biodiversity
- Program cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 16,000 MT and sequesters 42,000 MT of carbon in soil
- 15,000 acres farmed by National Black Growers Council members included in initiative
Kellanova’s Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing
Kellanova (NYSE: K), a leader in global snacking with brands such as Pringles®, Cheez-It® and Pop-Tarts®, together with ADM (NYSE: ADM), announced the successful completion of a two-year program supporting cotton farmers in the U.S. Southeast. The initiative underscores Kellanova’s focus on building sustainable value chains, improving farmer livelihoods, and advancing regenerative agriculture.
The collaboration covered 120,000 acres across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, engaging more than 180 farms to adopt regenerative practices such as planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and optimizing fertilizer use. These practices strengthen soil health, water quality, and biodiversity while improving farm resilience.
Climate Benefits Through Regenerative Practices
In 2024, farmers in the program reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 16,000 MT and sequestered 42,000 MT of carbon in soil—the equivalent of removing more than 13,000 gas-powered cars from the road for one year. Farms achieved an 85% habitat potential index score, highlighting nearly maximized biodiversity opportunities.
“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 like ADM on programs like this one in the southeast of the U.S. to build sustainable value chains that improve the livelihoods of the farmers and ensure the quality of our ingredients.”
Strengthening Farmer Livelihoods
Of the total acreage, 15,000 are farmed by members of the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), which works to advance the sustainability and productivity of Black row crop farmers. Kellanova’s Better Days™ Promise, designed to improve the wellbeing of people in its value chain, has supported NBGC farmers since 2023 through a partnership with its Eggo® brand.
ADM Climate-Smart Manager Emmanuel Bankston, who also farms 400 acres in Alabama, engages directly with growers, including NBGC members, to share his own farming experience and help implement regenerative practices.
“I understand farming challenges such as weather, input prices, and commodity prices, which helps me relate to growers,” Bankston said. “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.”
“It all boils down to healthy soil,” he added. “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.”
