Dec 10, 2024Collaboration aims to help potato farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA will work with The Campbell Company (formerly Campbell Soup Co.) to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions associated with potato farming for the next three years.
The collaboration with three potato farms — in North Carolina, New York and Michigan — will help the operations implement regenerative farming techniques and reduce carbon emissions through soil health practices and other measures.
Scope 3, or value chain, emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that stem from an organization’s activities but not from sources owned or controlled by them.
The initiative covers 1,000 acres across the three farms, corresponding with the approximate number of acres needed annually to grow potatoes for Campbell’s products sold in Ahold Delhaize USA stores, according to a news release. Potatoes harvested from this project will be combined with conventionally grown potatoes to produce Kettle Brand and Cape Cod chips and Campbell’s soups, which will be available in Ahold Delhaize USA stores.
“As a company committed to enabling healthier people and planet, we’re excited to explore the potential positive impacts of regenerative agriculture on another crop as part of our continued progress on Scope 3,” Marc Stolzman, Ahold Delhaize USA chief sustainability officer, said in a news release. “Both companies have strong commitments to environmental sustainability, and we’re proud to work alongside the Campbell’s team to test how we can best collaborate to reduce emissions in the value chain.”
The initiative will focus on farming practices such as cover cropping, compost application and nutrient management, as well as conversion of farm equipment to renewable energy sources. Additionally, the companies will work with farmers to measure soil health and emissions.
Campbell’s has engaged its potato suppliers in its sustainable agriculture program since 2023, according to the release.
“Potatoes are a key ingredient used across our portfolio,” said Stewart Lindsay, Campbell’s chief sustainability officer. “Collaborations like this help connect our customers and consumers to the farmers who grow key ingredients in the food we make while actively helping to measure and advance sustainability and regenerative agricultural practices in our supply chain.”
Matt Maughan is director of ag innovation and sustainability at CSS Farms, which operates New York farm participating in the program.
“With the support of Campbell’s and Ahold Delhaize USA, we are proud to advance our sustainability efforts in significant ways,” he said. “We look forward to building on this collaboration and the important impact we can make together.”
This is the third farm-focused pilot Ahold Delhaize USA has announced this year and one of several for Campbell’s, which has also invested in regenerative agriculture with its California tomato farmers and U.S. flour and wheat suppliers.
