How can global food companies contribute to a more sustainable food value chain? How can they ensure that every segment of the supply chain is included? What does effective collaboration look like?
These were the key questions addressed by Kellanova and its partners—Ahold Delhaize USA, Bartlett, and Arva Intelligence—during an interactive event at Climate Week NYC. Attendees enjoyed food samples while hearing from wheat farmers and other stakeholders involved in a pioneering regenerative agriculture pilot program. This program, a first for Kellanova, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, education, and measurable outcomes in reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wheat farming and enhancing resilience across the farm and supply chain.
Launched in the summer of 2024, the pilot is backed by financial investments from Kellanova, Ahold Delhaize USA, and Bartlett. It supports the adoption of regenerative farming practices by wheat farmers in North Carolina, where the wheat harvested will be blended with conventional wheat for use in Kellanova’s iconic Cheez-It® crackers. These products will be sold in Ahold Delhaize USA’s stores in 2025.
Regenerative agriculture emphasizes soil conservation and improvement, with practices tailored to the specific crop, climate, and land.
- Wheat is grown using regenerative practices in Eastern North Carolina. Bartlett’s certified crop advisors provide technical assistance to farmers, helping improve soil health, which enhances water quality and reduces emissions.
- Bartlett mills the wheat, combining regenerative and conventional wheat at its expanded facility in Wilson’s Mills, NC.
- Kellanova bakes the flour into Cheez-It® crackers at its advanced facility in Cary, NC.
- Ahold Delhaize USA will sell the crackers in over 2,000 of its local stores starting in 2025.
Measurement and education are integral to the program. Arva Intelligence, whose mission is to empower farmers and drive environmental impact, will use its CropForce™ platform to measure, report, and verify emissions reductions for each partner. The insights gained will provide scalable knowledge that can inform future Scope 3 initiatives.
This innovative collaboration spans the entire supply chain—from field to shelf—working to improve the livelihoods of U.S. farmers while reducing GHG emissions. As part of Kellanova’s Better Days™ Promise, the company is committed to lowering emissions and advancing the wellbeing of people, including farmers, throughout the food value chain. Programs like this one showcase the power of innovation and partnership in creating #BetterDays for people and the planet.
