In an address to the National Feed and Grain Association Annual Convention, David MacLennan Chairman and CEO of Cargill Inc. promoted regenerative agriculture as a means to improve the environment and enhance revenue. He urged farmers to follow no-till cultivation and use cover crops among other innovations.  MacLennan cited studies in which corn growers realized an additional $50 per acre and soybean farmers attained an incremental $45 per acre.  Benefits arise from reduced fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide costs, increased yields and potentially improved resilience to extreme weather events.

He noted the income farmers can receive through organizations including the Iowa Soil and Water Outcomes Fund and selling carbon sequestration credits amounting to $30 to $50 per acre for applying principles and practices associated with regenerative agriculture.

Cargill has initiated a science-based climate commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the global supply chain by 30 percent, expressed per ton of product by 2030.  The company is assisting farmers working ten million acres of North American farmland to improve efficiency through regenerative agriculture.

Major customers for agriculture commodities including Land O’ Lakes and Danone North America are incorporating regenerative agriculture practices in their sourcing and supply chain.