Building on its commitment to understanding and reducing emissions across the value chain, leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA has announced another Scope 3 pilot program – this time focused on the potato crop.
Over the next three years, the company will work with The Campbell’s Company (Campbell’s) to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with potato farming. This collaboration will support partner farms in implementing regenerative farming techniques to create more resilient agricultural systems and reduce carbon emissions through soil health practices and other opportunities.
Regenerative Farming Techniques Take Center Stage in Emissions Reduction Effort
Leveraging financial investments from Ahold Delhaize USA and Campbell’s, the pilot will support three potato farms located in North Carolina, New York, and Michigan. The initiative spans 1,000 acres across these farms, aligning with the approximate acreage needed annually to grow potatoes for Campbell’s products sold in Ahold Delhaize USA brand stores.
Potatoes harvested from this project will be combined with conventionally grown potatoes to produce Kettle Brand® chips, Cape Cod® chips, and Campbell’s® soups, available at Ahold Delhaize USA stores.
“As a company committed to enabling healthier people and 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,” said Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA.
“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.”
Collaboration Aims to Advance Soil Health and Resilient Agricultural Systems
The pilot will emphasize farming practices such as cover cropping, compost application, nutrient management, and the conversion of farm equipment to renewable energy sources. Additionally, the companies will collaborate with farmers to measure soil health and emissions impacts, leveraging Campbell’s broader work to support potato farmers. Since 2023, Campbell’s has engaged all its potato suppliers through its sustainable agriculture program.
“Potatoes are a key ingredient used across our portfolio,” said Stewart Lindsay, Campbell’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “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.”
Matt Maughan, Director of Ag Innovation and Sustainability at CSS Farms, which operates one of the New York farms participating in the pilot, expressed his enthusiasm. “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.”
Ongoing Commitment to Scope 3 Initiatives and Beyond
This marks the third farmland-focused pilot Ahold Delhaize USA has announced this year, and one of several for Campbell’s, as both companies work to advance their Scope 3 commitments. In addition to their potato-focused efforts, Campbell’s regenerative agriculture investments include partnerships with California tomato farmers and U.S. flour and wheat suppliers.
“We’re very excited to obtain the learnings from these pilot projects,” said Kendrick Repko, Director of Sustainable Products for Ahold Delhaize USA. “The takeaways will allow us to broaden our partnerships and advance this important work.”
Source: Ahold Delhaize USA
Image: Credit Ahold Delhaize USA
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