Mars: Committed to Sustainable Rice Sourcing

Rice is a foundational commodity for billions of people globally and a critical component of many food supply chains.

Its production, however, faces major threats from climate variability that could create procurement challenges. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global rice yield is projected to decline by 10-15% by 2050 if current trends continue, posing a risk to supply continuity.

In response, Mars has committed to a US$20m investment in sustainable rice sourcing programmes by 2030. The investment aims to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture practices through its Raising Rice Right platform.

"Rice is a daily staple for billions of people and provides an income to millions of farmers around the world, but climate change is placing extraordinary pressure on this vital crop," says Dale Creaser, Global Vice President of Supply Chain at Mars Food & Nutrition.

"As the owners of Ben’s Original, one of the world’s largest rice brands, we have a responsibility to act. This US$20m investment is about backing our farmers with the tools, technology and training support they need to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

"It’s also about future-proofing our business to ensure we’re building a resilient food supply chain. We're committed to making rice farming more sustainable and protecting yields and livelihoods for our farmers today and for generations to come."

Climate risks and production challenges

Understanding the vulnerabilities in rice production is key to de-risking its supply.

As a semi-aquatic tropical plant, rice requires specific conditions of water and warmth to grow. Conventional production methods involve keeping fields continuously flooded for months, primarily to control weeds.

This approach consumes large amounts of water. Furthermore, the microbes that thrive in these flooded paddies can generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Beyond its environmental footprint, rice farming is directly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

The crop is highly sensitive to temperature during its flowering stage. If temperatures go above 35°C for just one hour during pollination, its pollen could become sterile, impacting yields.

The crop also requires cool nights to respire and convert sunlight into grain. Higher night-time temperatures can force the plant to use more energy, which could cause a decrease in yield.

Regenerative farming and supply chain benefits

To counter these challenges, various companies are exploring regenerative growing methods.

Techniques such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), alongside organic soil management, can help reduce the negative impacts of rice farming and make the crop more resilient.

SRI involves using young seedlings, reduced plant density and AWD irrigation that keeps fields wet but not constantly flooded. For businesses, supporting a transition to regenerative agriculture can help lower emissions within their supply chains and create direct benefits for farming partners.

A reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides can lower operational costs for farmers, while greater resilience against extreme weather can reduce crop loss.

These methods often improve farm biodiversity and soil health. However, procurement leaders must recognise the potential barriers for farmers, as the initial investment costs can be high and the transition may require new training and knowledge.

Mars’ strategy for a climate-smart supply chain

As part of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan, Mars is committed to ensuring 100% of farmers in its supply chain who are at risk of poverty are reached by programmes designed to help them thrive.

Mars’ ongoing investment will enable it to work directly with its rice farmers and suppliers to implement climate-smart practices like AWD.

A farm in Arkansas, US, provides a case study for the benefits. By implementing AWD, the farm has reduced its water usage by 60% and achieved up to 60% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to average farms in the region.

Mars says it will also equip farmers with the knowledge, tools and technology to implement these practices. The organisation is also a founding member of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), a global alliance working to promote sustainable rice farming and empower smallholder farmers, reinforcing its strategy for a more secure and sustainable rice supply chain.