Cargill is proud to announce its recognition as a winner of five prestigious 2025 Edison Awards. These accolades highlight the company’s leadership and pioneering efforts in reimagining food and agriculture through bold, science-based innovations. From advancing climate-smart farming to improving access to clean water and cutting-edge nutrition, each of the awarded solutions exemplifies how Cargill is committed to building a more secure, sustainable, and resilient global food system.
Named in honor of Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, the Edison Awards are among the most respected accolades in the world of innovation. Each year, the program honors the most forward-thinking products and people across a wide range of industries, recognizing solutions that solve pressing global challenges, shape entire markets, and inspire progress and transformation. For the third consecutive year, Cargill’s advancements have been recognized among the world’s best, a testament to its continued leadership at the intersection of science, sustainability, and agriculture.
“Behind every innovation is a team of talented, purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about solving real-world challenges in food and agriculture,” said Florian Schattenmann, Chief Technology Officer at Cargill. “These awards are a reflection of the passion, expertise, and collaboration that drive our people to imagine what’s possible—from supporting sustainable farming to enhancing global nutrition and reducing waste. I’m deeply proud of the incredible teams behind each of these innovations and the positive, measurable impact they are making on communities, farmers, and consumers around the world.”
The 2025 Edison Award-winning projects represent a wide spectrum of transformative solutions, all rooted in Cargill’s mission to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Here’s a closer look at each of the five innovations honored this year:
Silver Award: Winter Camelina for Biofuels
Cargill’s work with Winter Camelina, a hardy oilseed crop, is setting a new standard in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Grown in colder climates during the off-season—much like a cover crop—Winter Camelina not only prevents soil erosion and promotes biodiversity but also gives farmers a valuable new source of income between traditional growing seasons. Food and Agriculture Its seeds are rich in oil and serve as a low-carbon feedstock ideal for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and animal feed.
In 2025, cultivation of Winter Camelina saw a significant expansion, with acreage more than doubling from the previous year. Food and Agriculture cargill also secured successful commercial sales to a SAF producer and a major international airline, demonstrating the viability and growing demand for this climate-smart crop. This innovation bridges the gap between environmental sustainability and economic opportunity, benefiting both farmers and the planet.
Silver Award: Cultivated Grade™ Media
In response to the rising need for cost-effective solutions in the alternative protein space, Cargill introduced Cultivated Grade™ Media—a game-changing development in the field of cellular agriculture. Designed as a customizable, affordable cell culture media, this innovation addresses one of the largest hurdles facing cultivated meat and protein start-ups: cost-prohibitive media required for cell growth.
Created in collaboration with leading players in the alternative protein industry, Cultivated Grade™ Media is engineered to support scalability, helping new Food and Agriculture technologies reach commercial viability faster. By lowering the cost barrier and increasing production efficiency, this solution plays a crucial role in supporting the future of diversified protein sources—paving the way for more sustainable and ethical food choices.
Food and Agriculture Excellence Cargill Secures Five 2025 Edison Awards™ for Pioneering Innovations
Bronze Award: Cargill Natural Flavors
Tackling the issue of food waste head-on, Cargill developed Cargill Natural Flavors—a proprietary blend of natural antioxidants specifically formulated to extend the shelf life of ground beef. Food and Agriculture This blend significantly slows oxidation, preserving the freshness of meat products by up to five additional days compared to current commercial solutions.
Already adopted by major grocery retailers, this breakthrough is expected to preserve an estimated 1.5 million pounds of ground beef annually. Not only does this translate to significant reductions in food waste and economic losses, but it also enhances flexibility for retailers and improves the customer experience by delivering fresher products with longer shelf life.
Bronze Award: Cargill Currents
Water scarcity and sanitation are among the most critical global challenges today. Through its Cargill Currents program—a collaborative initiative with the Global Water Challenge—Cargill is helping communities around the world access safe, reliable sources of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Since its launch in 2021, Cargill Currents has positively impacted over 150,000 people through a wide array of locally tailored solutions. These include the installation of solar-powered water pumps, construction of handwashing stations, and delivery of education programs on water conservation and hygiene practices. Additionally, the program supports training in water-smart agricultural methods, empowering local farmers to optimize their water usage for improved crop yield and sustainability.
Bronze Award: REVEAL™ Layers
Revolutionizing poultry farming, Cargill introduced REVEAL™ Layers, a first-of-its-kind technology that allows producers to accurately and non-invasively measure the body composition of laying hens on-site. Using Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, the system provides real-time data that farmers can use to make precise dietary adjustments for their flocks.
The result? More efficient feed use, longer laying periods, and increased egg production—up to 20 additional eggs per hen. Deployed in multiple countries, REVEAL™ Layers is already proving to be a powerful tool in optimizing poultry performance while enhancing animal welfare and reducing environmental impact.
Together, these five award-winning innovations reflect Cargill’s unwavering commitment to unlocking sustainable, science-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers, communities, and the planet. By working at the heart of the global food system, Cargill continues to lead the charge toward a more resilient and inclusive agricultural future.
Each nomination for the Edison Awards undergoes a rigorous review process led by the Edison Awards Steering Committee and evaluated by an executive panel of over 2,000 senior business leaders, academics, and innovation professionals. Their endorsement further underscores the global impact and excellence of Cargill’s innovations.
To learn more about the Edison Awards and the 2025 winners,
