General Mills & Cargill's Role in Sustainable Wheat Sourcing

Wheat production is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture, as highlighted by the Yield Enhancement Network.

Efforts worldwide are focusing on decreasing emissions related to wheat flour, a staple in numerous food products. Within this context, the Sustainable Wheat Initiative Europe presents a significant opportunity for procurement professionals in the food sector to advance sustainability goals.

Jean-Manuel Lévêque, President of the International Association of Plant Bakers (AIBI), says: "As a sector, we want to take our responsibility for helping our wheat farmers transition to sustainable agriculture."

The Sustainable Wheat Initiative aims to establish a cohesive vision among the bakery industry, flour millers and farmers to reduce carbon emissions effectively.

This alignment is formalised in a manifesto signed by various industry leaders committed to achieving a 30% reduction in wheat and flour emissions by 2030.

The collaboration, supported by CEOs from European bakeries, flour mills and suppliers, underlines the sector's strategic approach to sustainability through procurement practices.

Procurement impact across the supply chain

The commitment of companies like Lantmännen Unibake, who signed the manifesto, exemplifies the procurement shift within European companies aimed at reducing environmental footprints.

Lantmännen Unibake acknowledges that farming activities contribute to approximately 60% of flour's environmental impact, with a significant portion of emissions originating from different stages of the supply chain.

Such insights emphasise the procurement department's role in fostering sustainable practices, particularly in sourcing and supply chain management.​​​​​​​

Carsten Thomsen, President of Lantmännen Unibake, comments: “At Lantmännen Unibake, we’ve gained valuable experience through our Nordic Climate & Nature program, supported by 10 years of grain data and verified carbon footprint reductions of up to 45%.

"We know that sustainability starts in the field – with smarter cultivation methods, precision farming, fossil-free fertilisers and fuels and other field-level innovations.”

Global strategies in reducing wheat emissions

Globally, companies are incorporating emission reduction targets into their procurement strategies, with objectives designed to enhance industry-wide sustainability.

General Mills is one such company that has developed a comprehensive climate transition action plan, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions from row crops by 39%, identifying wheat as a critical ingredient.

Its focus on regenerative agriculture highlights the importance of diverse and healthy soil management in procurement decisions.

Jeffrey L. Harmening, Chairman and CEO at General Mills, adds: “As a food company, General Mills depends on the health and well-being of our planet, and we are investing in landscapes and ecosystems to build resilience for nature, climate and communities.”

Cargill's Seafurther programme showcases another strategic approach in reducing the carbon footprint, especially in seafood through feed production.

By engaging in regenerative agriculture and collaborating with numerous UK farmers, Cargill has demonstrated the potential for emission reductions as significant as 10,200 tonnes of CO₂ over a substantial land area.

These efforts indicate a growing trend in procurement strategies focused on sustainability across various agricultural sectors.