ADM and Hill's Pet Nutrition Collaborate on Regenerative Agriculture Initiative

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is collaborating with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to promote regenerative agriculture practices in the U.S. and Europe. The partnership will target 16,000 acres of corn and soybean fields in Minnesota and Illinois, along with 2,500 acres of soybean fields in Hungary, under a multi-year pilot program.

According to a press release issued on May 12, ADM surpassed its goal of transitioning 5 million acres of farmland to regenerative practices a year early, achieving this milestone in 2024. The new initiative aims to foster the adoption of regenerative agriculture within the pet food supply chain, engaging and incentivizing farmers to implement sustainable practices.

ADM describes regenerative agriculture as an approach focused on enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and water resources while providing market benefits and increased value for farmers. The principles include responsible input management, minimizing soil disturbance, and maintaining living roots in soil.

Senior Vice President Greg Morris noted that this partnership meets the rising demand for sustainably sourced pet food. He emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in this transition, stating, "Farmers are at the heart of our pet food system, and this partnership enables us to support regenerative agriculture while sourcing high-quality ingredients grown with care for the land."

Farmers involved in ADM's "re:generations" program will benefit from financial incentives to encourage the adoption of these practices. These incentives aim to offset costs and reward positive changes. ADM will manage data collection, field monitoring, and outcome reporting related to the initiative while providing technical support and networking opportunities for participating farmers.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, based in Overland Park, Kansas, highlighted its commitment to sustainable sourcing, with Executive Vice President Dave Baloga stating that the partnership with ADM aligns with their goal of fostering a resilient future for pets and the planet.