Mars partners Fonterra to slash dairy emissions 

NEW ZEALAND – In a move toward its 2050 net-zero target, Mars has teamed up with global dairy cooperative Fonterra to tackle emissions from dairy farming, the fourth-largest contributor to the company’s global carbon footprint. 

Reported by Mars, the multi-million-dollar initiative includes incentive payments and grant funding aimed at supporting farmers with tools and technologies to reduce their environmental impact. 

The program, set to roll out over five years, involves a US$27 million investment, with roughly half allocated as grants for around 2,000 farms.

According to Mars, the collaboration will focus on finding practical and cost-effective ways to cut emissions. 

One key approach under consideration is improving feed and grazing management. 

By boosting grass production, farmers can rely less on supplementary feed, which typically carries a higher carbon footprint. 

The other portion of the funding will offer incentive payments, rewarding farmers in the Fonterra Co-op who achieve emissions levels about 30% below the average. 

These top performers could earn up to US$15,000 annually.

“Dairy farmers are on the front line of advancing climate-smart agriculture, which is why we’re putting them first through the launch of our Farmer Forward programme,” said Amanda Davies, Mars Snacking’s chief R&D, procurement, and sustainability officer. 

She emphasized the mutual benefits of the effort, adding, “It’s a true win-win, because we know making dairy more sustainable takes real effort and real investment.”

A report by Mars indicates the initiative could influence 26,000 hectares of farmland and prevent 150,000 metric tons of emissions by 2030. 

This partnership is part of the broader “Moo’ving Dairy Forward” strategy, launched last year, which aligns the dairy supply chain with Mars’s climate goals. 

These include science-based targets for 2030, such as cutting emissions from forests, agriculture, and land-use sources by 45.5% and reducing operational and power-related emissions by 63%, both measured against a 2015 baseline.

Mars, known for brands like M&M’s and Snickers, has been working with Fonterra, a longtime supplier, to drive sustainability in dairy production. 

The strategy also highlights ongoing projects in manure management, feed additives, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy adoption.