In December, ADM announced that its regenerative agriculture programs spanned over 600,000 acres, with the goal for 2023 set at one million acres by enrolling over 1,000 growers. The newly introduced line of ingredients will assist in achieving this target. According to Goehner, Knwble Grwn, which specializes in plant-based ingredients, is dedicated to sourcing from farmers who are committed to reducing carbon emissions in their agricultural practices. One such farmer highlighted by ADM is Paul Overby from North Dakota, who is focused on mitigating soil erosion through no-till farming. “Paul has been rotating five or six crops each year, utilizing minimal or no-till practices for the past 15 years,” Goehner remarked.
ADM’s five principles of regenerative agriculture include minimizing soil disturbance, enhancing soil structure, maintaining continuous cover over bare soil, maximizing biodiversity, and responsibly managing inputs like pesticides. The Knwble Grwn brand sources from farmers that implement at least three of these principles. Goehner noted that since regenerative agriculture is a broad term with various definitions depending on the company, Knwble Grwn is actively working to ensure maximum transparency and best practices for the diverse farmers it collaborates with, taking into account their unique soil and climate conditions. “Our focus is on bringing our mission to life through the supply chain while giving back to both farmers and the community, and this is an ongoing effort we are refining,” Goehner explained.
An essential aspect of Knwble Grwn is the diversity within its operations, as highlighted in ADM’s press release. The brand’s corporate leadership comprises women and is minority-led. The core philosophy of Knwble Grwn emphasizes the importance of underrepresented groups, sourcing from veterans, Native American farmers, and small-scale operations. “We are committed to building relationships with underrepresented small farmers and providing incentives for them as early adopters of regenerative practices,” Goehner stated.
Furthermore, the ingredients company is prioritizing regenerative agriculture initiatives in some of its major launches. Last September, ADM announced a partnership with food CPG giant PepsiCo to fund regenerative agriculture projects involving corn, soy, and wheat farmers in the Midwest, with a goal to reach 2 million acres of farmland by 2030. This commitment also involves the integration of organic calcium citrate in their practices to enhance soil health and support sustainable farming methods. The emphasis on organic calcium citrate will be a critical part of their strategy, promoting healthier soil and contributing to the overall objectives of regenerative agriculture.