Harmony, the wheat sustainability initiative created by Mondelēz International in France, has transitioned into an independent certification scheme under the governance of the ProTerra Foundation. After almost two decades, the programme is no longer controlled by one company and is now available to participants throughout the European wheat value chain.
A broader industry model
The change, announced in Utrecht on 28 September 2026, concerns the programme’s ownership and governance rather than its underlying purpose.
Harmony was originally established by Mondelēz International and has since developed into one of Europe’s prominent wheat sustainability programmes. More than 1,200 farmers across the continent participate in the initiative, which currently covers around 57,000 hectares of wheat production.
The ProTerra Foundation, a nonprofit organisation focused on sustainability certification, will now oversee the scheme. Eligible businesses and organisations across the European wheat value chain can participate, allowing Harmony to extend beyond Mondelēz International’s own sourcing network.
Distinct responsibilities
ProTerra’s model separates oversight, delivery and assurance. The Foundation is responsible for governance, while independent certification bodies conduct third-party audits across the full supply chain, from agricultural production through to the finished product.
This structure is designed to improve transparency, strengthen confidence in the certification process and support wider participation. It also reflects broader food and beverage industry trends, in which companies increasingly seek independently verified sustainability claims.
Responding to regulatory change
The transition comes as expectations from consumers, customers and regulators continue to rise. Businesses face growing pressure to demonstrate that sustainability commitments are transparent, credible and supported by robust verification.
The change also corresponds with developments in food and drink regulations across Europe. The EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive is scheduled to apply from 27 September 2026 and introduces additional expectations for sustainability labels that are independently managed and accessible to multiple market participants.
According to the announcement, Harmony is adapting its structure to meet these evolving requirements.
The programme’s core principles remain
Harmony continues to operate according to a science-based charter developed jointly with farmers, researchers, non-governmental organisations and other value chain partners.
Its requirements encourage improved soil health, stronger biodiversity, crop rotation and diversification, as well as more responsible use of agricultural inputs. These practices are intended to help farmers improve the resilience, productivity and long-term competitiveness of their businesses.
Mondelēz International will remain closely involved. Although ownership and governance have changed, Harmony continues to support the company’s sustainability strategy. Mondelēz will contribute to innovation, pilot initiatives and farmer engagement, while also helping shape the programme’s future as a participating member.
Guillaume Sauzay, MEU sustainable agriculture lead at Mondelēz International, said: “By evolving into an independent certification scheme, Harmony is now ready to scale its impact beyond Mondelēz International and contribute more broadly to the transformation of European wheat production.”
Emese Van Maanen, managing director of the ProTerra Foundation, said the Foundation looks forward to “welcoming new participants across the wheat value chain” and supporting Harmony’s growth as an open, credible and impactful scheme.
What the new framework means
In practical terms, the terms “independent” and “open” refer to control of the scheme’s requirements and access to its certification system. Harmony now operates with governance separate from any single company, while external audits verify compliance. Other organisations involved in European wheat production, processing and supply can therefore seek to participate.
For businesses considering food manufacturing trends, food processing technology and food distribution trends, the initiative offers an existing sustainability framework rather than requiring the industry to build a new system from the ground up. For Mondelēz International, the arrangement preserves a strategically important programme while repositioning the company as a member rather than its owner.
The announcement does not yet clarify participation requirements, membership conditions or the process for transitioning organisations already involved in Harmony. These practical details will influence how rapidly the scheme gains traction across the wider wheat sector and how effectively it supports food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability and future supply chain commitments.
