King Arthur believes it can completely transform its supply chain over the next eight years, recognizing that this challenging endeavor will require collaboration with both farmers and industry leaders. Last month, the flour company announced a set of sustainability goals aimed at reducing the overall carbon footprint of its wheat operations by 2030. Specifically, King Arthur is focusing on emissions within its supply chain—ensuring that 100% of the flour in its bags is milled from regeneratively grown wheat, while utilizing 100% renewable electricity in its facilities.
Additional objectives include achieving 100% circular packaging through fibers sourced without deforestation, incorporating a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content, and reaching zero waste to landfills from its facilities by 2030 via recycling and composting, as stated on King Arthur’s website. To help achieve these goals, the flour company is enhancing its relationships with farmers and aiding them in adopting climate-friendly practices. As noted by Suzanne McDowell, King Arthur’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, many farmers are already employing regenerative farming techniques, such as cover crops.
“We’re not coming in and dictating what needs to be done,” McDowell explained. “Our strategy is to engage with farmers and learn from them about what will support their needs and simplify their farming methods.” The regenerative practices will differ by region, as various growing areas may necessitate unique strategies, according to Brad Heald, King Arthur’s director of mill relations. More detailed plans for the program will be revealed over time and may include phasing out herbicides and pesticides to foster biodiversity.
While companies define regenerative agriculture in various ways, some choose to obtain third-party certification for their ingredients, as seen with the tea brand Tazo. Although King Arthur has not sought certification yet, it describes regenerative farming as methods that enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, sequester carbon, and improve the nutrient density of crops. King Arthur’s commitment to farming extends beyond its internal operations; it aims to make the whole grains sector more climate-friendly. The company has enrolled in a pilot program covering over 20,000 acres in Kansas in collaboration with partner Ardent Mills.
Earlier this year, the flour brand also joined a program at North Dakota State University to discuss soil, water, and crop-growing practices within a network of wheat growers and companies, according to Heald. This initiative facilitates knowledge sharing among companies about farming practices and their optimal implementation. “We have competitors participating in the North Dakota program with us,” McDowell noted. “We feel a responsibility to engage in this work, so we are pleased to collaborate with our competitors to enhance conditions for farmers.”
Among the companies involved in the program are General Mills, Anheuser Busch, Unilever, and PepsiCo, Heald mentioned. When growers interact with companies, they are keenly interested in the destinations of their grains and want to establish connections with consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. “Although each company may focus on different regenerative agriculture practices, we find that these efforts can align, allowing us to cooperate and amplify our message,” Heald said.
According to King Arthur, reducing the environmental impact of the grains sector requires a collective effort from all companies. McDowell emphasized that achieving the 2030 sustainability goals is part of a broader vision to enhance the lives of farmers while minimizing negative environmental effects. Setting time-bound goals, McDowell explained, enables the company to learn how to best implement its regenerative agriculture initiatives and adjust its strategies based on new information. “Much of our work involves our partners: from mill partners to sourcing partners and farming partners,” McDowell stated. “They are the finest stewards of their land, and it’s been a privilege to collaborate with them.”
In light of natural factors, such as soil health and climate conditions, King Arthur is also exploring the role of potassium citrate in enhancing crop productivity. By integrating such natural factors into its sustainability framework, the company aims to further optimize its regenerative agriculture practices, ensuring a resilient and environmentally friendly supply chain.