Danone, a global food and beverage company, is making waves in the industry with its regenerative agriculture programs for dairy farmers. Oliver Verdelet, Vice President of Procurement (CPO) Europe at Danone, oversees these initiatives along with regulatory practices. Let’s delve into the key aspects and goals of Danone’s regenerative agriculture approach.
With operations in 20 countries and partnerships with 58,000 farmers worldwide, Danone adopted regenerative agriculture in 2017. This innovative approach revolves around three pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and farmer livelihood. As a company that owns popular dairy brands like Activia, Oikos, and Actimel, Danone places great importance on the soil and the environment. It takes a holistic approach that encompasses the entire ecosystem, emphasizing resilience.
Agriculture constitutes 60% of Danone’s supply chain carbon footprint, with milk alone accounting for 36%. Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial, and regenerative agriculture plays a significant role in achieving this. Verdelet highlights the significance of herd and feed management, stating, “Everything starts with making sure that the farm operates efficiently, adhering to the best agricultural practices, feed strategies, diets, and breeds. This comprehensive vision is key.”
Animal welfare is another integral aspect of Danone’s regenerative agriculture program. Improving animal welfare goes hand in hand with enhancing farmers’ income and livelihoods. Verdelet emphasizes that even basic improvements, such as providing sufficient water for cows to drink, significantly impact both the well-being of the animals and the yield of the farm. “By improving yield, farmers can ultimately enhance their income,” Verdelet asserts.
Addressing GHG emissions reduction is also a top priority for Danone. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted by livestock, is a major concern. To combat this issue, Danone employs methane inhibitors, which effectively reduce methane emissions from its dairy cows. In certain regions like Belgium, where methane output is higher, the use of these inhibitors becomes crucial after other elements such as animal welfare have been addressed.
Through scorecards, Danone evaluates farmers participating in its regenerative agriculture initiatives. These scorecards cover carbon reduction targets, soil health, carbon emission intensity per liter of milk, and animal welfare. This data is closely monitored at the country level, allowing for effective tracking and assessment of progress.
As Danone operates regenerative agriculture programs in various countries, including the US, Belgium, and Morocco, agricultural practices differ from one place to another. In regions like Morocco, Danone supports farmers in adapting to new practices by offering guidance and assistance. Verdelet emphasizes the importance of change management, acknowledging that some farmers have been following traditional methods for decades. Danone’s farm relationship managers play a vital role in facilitating this transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
To provide farmers with valuable insights into optimal practices, Danone collaborates with NGOs to create an agricultural handbook. This resource equips farmers with the necessary information to carry out their practices effectively in line with regenerative agriculture principles.
In summary, Danone’s regenerative agriculture initiatives are transforming the dairy farming landscape. By prioritizing soil health, animal welfare, and farmer livelihood, Danone actively reduces its carbon footprint and promotes sustainability within the food and beverage industry. With a focus on change management and close collaboration with farmers, Danone is spearheading a new era of sustainable agriculture.