Mars, Incorporated is taking a bold step toward sustainability with its $27 million investment in the Farmer Forward Program, a five-year initiative developed in collaboration with Fonterra, one of the world’s largest dairy suppliers. The program aims to empower dairy farmers with the resources needed to cut on-farm emissions and embrace climate-smart practices. Around 2,000 farmers will gain access to new sustainability-focused tools and technologies, while about 165 farmers who demonstrate the most significant progress will receive financial incentives averaging $15,000 per year. This initiative plays a crucial role in Mars’ ambitious plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Spanning 26,000 hectares, roughly the size of 50,000 NFL football fields, the program is projected to reduce Mars’ scope 3 dairy emissions by 150,000 metric tons by 2030, compared to a 2015 baseline. That’s equivalent to eliminating more than 380 million miles of car travel. The dairy production from this program alone could supply enough milk to produce an astonishing 20 billion SNICKERS bars annually. With dairy ranking as Mars’ fourth-largest contributor to its carbon footprint, the company sees collaboration with farmers as essential to achieving its sustainability goals.
As part of the broader Moo’ving Dairy Forward initiative, this program underscores Mars’ commitment to reducing emissions across its entire dairy supply chain. Mars recognizes that real sustainability progress requires real investment, and this effort not only benefits the environment but also strengthens dairy farming businesses for future generations. By partnering with Fonterra, Mars is working toward a future where dairy farming is both profitable and environmentally responsible, proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.
