In a world increasingly concerned about sustainability, food companies are taking bold steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Kellanova, the iconic brand behind Cheez-It® crackers, is leading the charge with a unique pilot program that emphasizes the power of collaboration and innovation to create a more sustainable food value chain.
Partnering with Ahold Delhaize USA, Bartlett, and Arva Intelligence, Kellanova has launched an ambitious initiative to promote regenerative wheat farming in North Carolina. This program, the first of its kind for Kellanova, goes beyond simply reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It aims to create a more resilient food system that benefits both the environment and the livelihoods of farmers.
From Farm to Shelf: A Comprehensive Approach
The program, launched this summer, leverages financial investments from all partners to support farmers in adopting regenerative agricultural practices. These practices focus on soil conservation and improvement, creating a unique farming approach specific to the crop, climate, and land. Farmers growing regenerative wheat in Eastern North Carolina will receive technical assistance from Bartlett’s certified crop advisors, ensuring the implementation of conservation practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and help reduce emissions.
The wheat harvested from these farms will be combined with conventionally grown wheat and then milled at Bartlett’s expanded facility in Wilson’s Mills, N.C. Finally, Kellanova will bake the wheat into Cheez-It® crackers at its state-of-the-art facility in Cary, N.C. These crackers will be available in Ahold Delhaize USA’s more than 2,000 local stores beginning in 2025.
Data-Driven Measurement and Education
Beyond the tangible benefits of regenerative wheat, this program is also focused on collecting valuable data and insights. Arva Intelligence, with its expertise in empowering farmers and driving environmental asset economies, will utilize its CropForceTM platform to meticulously measure, report, and verify the impacts of the initiative on emissions reductions. This data will provide valuable knowledge that each company can potentially leverage in developing other Scope 3 initiatives.
Creating #BetterDays for People and Planet
This initiative represents a truly collaborative effort, bringing together stakeholders from every stage of the food supply chain – from field to mill to manufacturing facility to shelf. The program not only works to improve the livelihoods of U.S. farmers but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Kellanova’s commitment to reducing emissions and advancing the well-being of people across its food value chain aligns perfectly with its ambitious Kellanova Better DaysTM Promise. Through programs like this, Kellanova harnesses the power of innovation and collaboration to create #BetterDays for people and the planet, demonstrating its dedication to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
