The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

ADM has shipped 2.4 million bushels (64,000 metric tons) of fully traceable soybeans from the US to Europe as part of a successful pilot programme. ADM’s traceable soybean programme is an outgrowth of its International Sustainability & Carbon Certification-certified bean programme. It utilises advanced technology – such as FBN’s Gradable digital platform – as well as ADM’s origination and transportation capabilities to verify, trace and segregate participating beans from farms to their final destination. Following completion of the initial phases of the programme, and in anticipation of the new EU deforestation regulations becoming effective at the end of the year, ADM now intends to expand these capabilities to other key locations across North America in the 2024 growing season. This aims to provide the opportunity for interested farmers to participate in current and new global markets that generate greater value and preference for their crops. Matt Hopkins, ADM’s vice president, North America River and Export, said: “This programme – along with our comprehensive plan to achieve 100% deforestation-free supply chains by 2025 – demonstrate the value of ADM’s irreplaceable global footprint and our investments in climate-smart and regenerative agriculture”. Jon Turney, ADM’s vice president, EMEA Crush, said that while there are still issues to work through ahead of the EU’s deforestation regulations – such as defining, measuring and enforcing full compliance – the company is confident in its ability to continue to deliver to customers in Europe. He added: “We will continue to work with stakeholders – including farmers, government and industry – across our supply chains in the US and other key regions in between now and the new regulations coming into effect on December 31”. ADM also announced the expansion of its regenerative agriculture programme to Europe in 2023, starting in the UK and Poland. Initially launched in North America, the programme aims to help agriculture create a more sustainable food system by providing financial and technical support to farmers who are taking positive steps to reduce their carbon footprint, improve water quality and promote soil health and biodiversity through implementing regenerative agriculture practices.