Mars pledges $27M to slash dairy emissions

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Dive Brief:

• Mars is making a $27 million, five-year investment to incentivize farmers to reduce dairy farming carbon emissions, according to a Feb. 17 press release.
• Mars’ Farmer Forward Program — created in partnership with dairy co-operative Fonterra — will use half of the funding for sustainability-focused tools and technology for around 2,000 farmers.
• The remaining money will be allocated to about 165 farmers who meet sustainability targets, who will be paid up to $15,000 each annually.

Dive Insight:

Dairy is Mars’ fourth-largest contributor to its carbon footprint, according to the press release. Currently, more than 200,000 cows supply dairy for the confectionery giant’s sweets brands, including M&M’s and Snickers.

Through the program with Fonterra, Mars anticipates to reduce Scope 3 dairy sourcing emissions by more than 150,…