- Feb 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Mars has announced a substantial initiative aimed at supporting dairy farmers in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The company is committing $27 million over the next five years through its newly launched Farmer Forward Program, in collaboration with Fonterra, one of the world’s largest dairy producers. This programme is designed to empower approximately 2,000 dairy farmers with the tools and technology necessary for implementing climate-smart agricultural practices.
Half of the $27 million investment will be allocated to providing farmers with sustainability-focused tools and technology. The remaining funds will be distributed as cash incentives to about 165 farmers each year who meet specific sustainability targets, averaging $15,000 annually per farmer.
This financial support aims to foster significant progress in emissions reduction while enabling farmers to build resilient businesses for the future.
The programme encompasses 26,000 hectares of farmland, highlighting Mars' strategic focus on its dairy supply chain, which is a major contributor to its overall carbon footprint. Dairy production accounts for a significant portion of Mars' GHG emissions, making it imperative for the company to engage directly with farmers to achieve its sustainability goals.
Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer at Mars Snacking, said: “Dairy farmers are on the front line of advancing climate-smart agriculture, which is why we’re putting them first through the launch of our Farmer Forward programme”.
She continued: "“Through this initiative, we're investing roughly $27 million in Fonterra farming families over the next five years to deliver critical financial support and significant emissions reductions. It’s a true win-win, because we know making dairy more sustainable takes real effort and real investment.”
Charlotte Rutherford, director of sustainability at Fonterra, echoed this sentiment, adding: “Fonterra has clear ambitions when it comes to climate, and through partnerships like this with Mars, we can support our farmer owners in achieving our targets”.
Mars’ broader sustainability efforts
This initiative is part of Mars’ Moo’ving Dairy Forward platform, launched last year to drive investment in new technologies and partnerships aimed at reducing emissions across its global dairy supply chain.
With dairy being the fourth-largest contributor to Mars' carbon footprint, the company recognises that collaboration with farmers is essential to meet its ambitious sustainability objectives, including a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Since 2015, Mars has successfully decreased its GHG emissions by 16% globally while simultaneously increasing its annual sales by 60%. This dual focus on sustainability and business growth reflects the company's belief that profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist.
