Ahold Delhaize USA Reveals a Scope 3 Program to Reduce Emissions Along the Potato Value Chain
The grocery retail giant Ahold Delhaize USA has announced another Scope 3 pilot program, concentrating on the potato crop, as part of its ongoing efforts to comprehend and reduce emissions along the value chain.
The corporation will collaborate with The Campbell’s Company to lower Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to potato farming for the next three years. Through soil health initiatives and other opportunities, this partnership will assist member farms in implementing regenerative agriculture methods to build more resilient agricultural systems and lower carbon emissions.
Three potato farms in North Carolina, New York, and Michigan will benefit from the pilot, which will be funded by Ahold Delhaize USA and Campbell’s. The program spans 1,000 acres across several farms, which is roughly equal to the amount of land required each year to cultivate potatoes for Campbell’s products that are sold in stores under the Ahold Delhaize USA brand. Ahold Delhaize USA local brand stores will sell Campbell’s soups, Cape Cod chips, and Kettle Brand chips made from the potatoes harvested from this project in combination with potatoes farmed conventionally.
“As a company committed to enabling healthier people and the planet, we’re excited to explore the potential positive impacts of regenerative agriculture on another crop as part of our continued progress on Scope 3. Both companies have strong commitments to environmental sustainability, and we’re proud to work alongside the Campbell’s team to test how we can best collaborate to reduce emissions in the value chain,” Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, mentioned.
Cover crops, composting, managing nutrients, and converting farm equipment to renewable energy sources are some of the farming methods that will be the focus of the pilot. The businesses will also collaborate with farmers to assess the effects of emissions and soil health, utilizing Campbell’s larger efforts to assist potato farmers. Since 2023, Campbell’s sustainable agricultural initiative has involved all of its potato suppliers.
“Potatoes are a key ingredient used across our portfolio. Collaborations like this help connect our customers and consumers to the farmers who grow key ingredients in the food we make while actively helping to measure and advance sustainability and regenerative agricultural practices in our supply chain,” Stewart Lindsay, Campbell’s Chief Sustainability Officer, declared.
“With the support of Campbell’s and Ahold Delhaize USA, we are proud to advance our sustainability efforts in significant ways. We look forward to building on this collaboration and the important impact we can make together,” Matt Maughan, Director of Ag Innovation and Sustainability at CSS Farms, which operates a farm in New York state participating in the pilot, added.
Ahold Delhaize USA has announced three farmland-focused pilots this year, and Campbell’s has announced many as both businesses strive to fulfill their Scope 3 obligations.
“We’re very excited to obtain the learnings from these pilot projects. The takeaways will allow us to broaden our partnerships and advance this important work,” Kendrick Repko, Director of Sustainable Products for Ahold Delhaize USA, concluded.
