ADM and Bayer expand agreement on regenerative agriculture in Europe

ADM and Bayer announced an extension of their agreement to boost the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in Europe. Last year, the companies began a feasibility study to assess the impact of these practices on reducing carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity and improving soil health.

Its technicians worked with rapeseed producers on approximately 9 hectares in Poland, carrying out a risk assessment on farms and building specific roadmaps for the transition to regenerative agriculture. According to the companies, this preliminary assessment showed that carbon emissions from areas that used at least one regenerative agricultural practice were 15% lower than those from conventional farms. Analysis suggests that emissions reductions could reach 40% for farmers who fully adopt these practices.

In the next phase of the collaboration, now announced, the program will be expanded. It will include crops such as corn, wheat and barley. And other Eastern European countries. According to ADM and Bayer, farmers will receive financial and technical support to implement qualified regenerative agricultural practices, including:

• no-till

• Cover crops

• Nutrient management

• Use of organic matter

• crop rotation

ADM says it will compensate participating farmers for each qualified hectare, measured and verified using Bayer's digital capabilities in collaboration with Trinity Agtech's Sandy platform.

In addition to financial support, participating farmers receive agronomic guidance from specialized professionals. This support begins with an in-depth agronomic understanding of the specific issues in each region where the program is being implemented, followed by personalized on-farm assessments, where agronomists visit the fields and, together with farmers, develop development plans tailored to each farm. Farmers can share their experiences and discuss different techniques during field visits and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Pilot phase results

The 2023 feasibility program was crucial to shaping a larger-scale effort, company representatives explain. Collecting primary data for greenhouse gas emissions calculations and soil analysis with carbon sequestration measurement allowed farmers, ADM and Bayer to gain insight into current environmental impacts and potential opportunities for emissions reductions as the program expands.

Candy Siekmann, Director of Climate Smart Agriculture Origination at ADM, commented that “Regenerative agriculture is fundamental to our leadership in sustainability and decarbonization, and launching a regenerative agriculture program in Poland is an exciting next step in our efforts. Our own research shows that a significant majority of consumers would trust and buy more from retailers and brands that implement regenerative agriculture practices, and by teaming up with great partners like Bayer, we are helping farmers – who are at the heart of our business – to meet this demand. We look forward to working with Bayer to advance an economically attractive model where businesses and farmers can work together to build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain with a smaller carbon footprint.”

Lionnel Alexandre, Carbon Business “Leader”, EMEA at Bayer, said that “developing a project with ADM in Europe on regenerative agriculture has strong significance for us as it highlights the importance of building a robust value chain approach and committed, where all players work towards a common goal. Bayer's solution combines digital capabilities, advanced science and agronomy, leveraging the best experts and partners across Europe. This brings our clients, like ADM, the best resources to support world-class projects around regenerative agriculture.”