Campbell’s recently announced it has secured $3.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to advance sustainable practices in California’s tomato-growing industry.
In collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), American Farmland Trust, and several Resource Conservation Districts, Campbell’s aims to promote sustainable farming techniques among California tomato growers. This project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture while enhancing soil health, water management, and the resilience and profitability of tomato farms.
“Campbell’s and California tomato growers share a long-standing commitment to sustainability,” said Stewart Lindsay, Chief Sustainability Officer at Campbell’s. “With farmers facing increased challenges due to climate change, supporting climate-smart agriculture practices is essential for improving soil health and building resilience. We appreciate the USDA’s support and are eager to work with our partners and growers on this impactful project.”
Project collaborators bring extensive experience working with California tomato farmers to implement conservation-focused agriculture. Together with NRCS, they plan to provide funding and technical support to ease the adoption of soil health practices, nutrient management, and improved irrigation techniques.
“This funding provides farmers with both financial resources and technical assistance to adopt sustainable practices, which conserves vital resources, increases climate resilience, and strengthens farm viability,” said Tom Stein, California Regional Director at American Farmland Trust. “We commend the commitment of food companies that prioritize the sustainability and future availability of essential ingredients.”
For years, Campbell’s has encouraged sustainable agriculture, fostering close relationships with tomato growers who implement practices reducing fertilizer, water usage, and emissions. Recently, Campbell’s has also championed regenerative agriculture by establishing a grant fund to support the trial and expansion of soil health practices.
