Mars has launched a US$ 27 million Farmer Forward Program aimed at helping dairy farmers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In partnership with global dairy producer Fonterra, the program, will provide farmers with tools, technology and cash incentives over the next five years in implementing sustainable practices to help cut on-farm emissions.
This program is part of Mars’ broader commitment to sustainability and its goal of reducing its overall emissions by 50% by 2030, using 2015 levels as a baseline. The initiative not only targets a significant reduction in on-farm emissions but also seeks to strengthen the dairy farming sector by promoting long-term, eco-friendly farming practices.
Investment in Tools, Technology and Financial Incentives
The Farmer Forward Program will distribute funds in two key areas. Around half of the total investment will go toward equipping approximately 2,000 Fonterra dairy farmers with sustainability-focused tools and technologies. The remaining portion will provide direct financial incentives, averaging US$ 15,000 per year, to about 165 farmers who make the greatest strides in meeting sustainability goals.
Covering 26,000 hectares of farmland, the program is expected to lead to a reduction of 150,000 metric tons of Mars’ scope 3 dairy emissions by 2030. This reduction is comparable to removing more than 380 million miles’ worth of vehicle emissions from the road.
Dairy’s Role in Mars’ Sustainability Strategy
Dairy is a key contributor to Mars’ environmental impact, ranking as the fourth-largest source of carbon emissions in the company’s supply chain. More than 200,000 cows supply dairy for Mars’ well-known brands, including SNICKERS and M&M’S. The milk used in the program alone could theoretically produce up to 20 billion SNICKERS bars annually.
The Farmer Forward Program is a cornerstone of Mars’ Moo’ving Dairy Forward initiative, a larger multimillion-dollar effort launched last year to drive sustainability investments across its global dairy supply chain. The company recognizes that meaningful emission reductions cannot be achieved without the involvement of dairy farmers and has structured this program to provide both financial backing and practical resources to those working toward climate-friendly practices.
Longstanding Partnership with Fonterra
Mars’ collaboration with Fonterra spans decades, with sustainability becoming a more central focus in recent years. Charlotte Rutherford, Director of Sustainability at Fonterra, emphasized the importance of these joint efforts in meeting environmental targets.
“Fonterra and Mars have been working together for decades, with sustainability really taking a front seat in recent years. Fonterra has clear ambitions when it comes to climate and it’s through partnerships like this with Mars, that we can support our farmer owners with achieving our targets. We are grateful for Mars and its shared commitment to protecting the environment. It’s a true testament to the power of partnership and innovation.”
Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking, highlighted the program’s dual benefits for farmers and the environment.
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“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 program. 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.”
A Broader Commitment to Net Zero
Mars has been steadily working toward sustainability goals, with its Net Zero Roadmap targeting net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. The company has already reduced its global GHG emissions by 16% since 2015 while simultaneously increasing its annual global sales by 60%.
Raw ingredients account for 65% of the total emissions from Mars’ snacking division, making efforts like the Farmer Forward Program essential in achieving long-term environmental objectives. As Mars continues investing in sustainability, the company maintains that business growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.