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Mars Incorporated has unveiled an ambitious sustainable dairy plan named 'Moo'ving Dairy Forward,' accompanied by a substantial $47 million investment over three years. This initiative is a pivotal component of Mars' broader commitment to combat climate change, with a $1 billion investment earmarked for climate initiatives over the same period. The company's new approach to dairy sourcing prioritises climate action, aiming to align with its 2030 goal of reducing emissions by 50%. The initiative marks a significant stride in Mars' journey towards achieving its net zero commitment. As part of the Moo'ving Dairy Forward sustainable dairy plan, Mars will collaborate with industry leaders to implement impactful interventions on farms. These interventions will focus on critical areas such as methane reduction, efficient manure management and sustainable feed production. One highlight of the initiative is the collaboration with dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, one of the world's largest dairy producers. Together, they will establish the Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program, dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across Mars' dairy supply chain. Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer at Mars Snacking, said: “Doing our part to keep our planet healthy is an absolute non-negotiable for us at Mars. But our vision for more sustainable dairy will only become a reality with the support and actions of farmers and our suppliers.” She continued: “Which is why, as part of our Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, we’re putting millions of dollars directly back into the pockets of farmers through our contracts to help them make climate-smart changes to the way they farm. Together, I know that we can forge a path that helps address climate change head-on and contributes to reshaping our wider industry for a more sustainable future.” In addition to on-farm interventions, Mars is investing in long-term innovation by launching three pilot net zero dairy farms with the DMK Group in Germany. These farms will explore cutting-edge science and technology to pave the way for scalable and economically viable pathways to net zero dairy. Furthermore, Mars is exploring innovative solutions beyond traditional farming practices. The company has partnered with Fonterra and Sea Forest to trial Seafreed, a seaweed food supplement designed to reduce methane emissions from cows.

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