King Arthur is confident in its ability to completely transform its supply chain over the next eight years. However, the company acknowledges that this challenging endeavor will necessitate collaboration with both farmers and other industry leaders. Last month, the flour company announced a series of sustainability goals it aims to achieve by 2030, which it believes will reduce the overall carbon footprint of its wheat operations. Specifically, King Arthur is focused on the emissions produced in its supply chain, committing to milled flour sourced entirely from regeneratively grown wheat and ensuring that its facilities utilize 100% renewable electricity.
Among its additional objectives, King Arthur plans to implement 100% circular packaging by using fibers sourced without deforestation and containing a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content. The company also aims to eliminate waste sent to landfills from its facilities by 2030 through recycling and composting, as outlined on its website. To help achieve these targets, King Arthur is enhancing its partnerships with farmers, supporting them in adopting climate-friendly practices. Suzanne McDowell, King Arthur’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, notes that many farmers already utilize various regenerative farming methods, such as cover crops.
“We’re not going in and dictating what must be done,” McDowell stated. “Our strategy is to engage with farmers and understand what will elevate their practices and make farming easier.” The regenerative practices will differ by region, as various growing areas may necessitate distinct strategies, according to Brad Heald, King Arthur’s director of mill relations. More detailed information about the program will be shared in due course, and it may also involve phasing out herbicides and pesticides to enhance biodiversity.
While definitions of regenerative agriculture may vary among companies, some choose to have their ingredients certified by a third-party organization, like the tea brand Tazo. King Arthur has not pursued certification at this time but defines regenerative farming as practices that enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, sequester carbon, and increase the nutrient density of crops. Beyond its own operations, King Arthur aims to make the whole grains sector more climate-smart, having enrolled in a pilot program covering over 20,000 acres in Kansas in partnership with Ardent Mills.
Earlier this year, the flour brand also joined a program at North Dakota State University focused on soil, water, and crop-growing practices among a network of wheat growers and companies. Heald mentioned that this initiative allows companies in the sector to share insights about farming practices and effective implementation strategies. “We have competitors participating in the North Dakota program alongside us,” McDowell noted. “We feel an obligation to engage in this work, and we’re glad to have our competitors collaborating with us to improve conditions for farmers.”
Some of the other companies involved in the program include General Mills, Anheuser Busch, Unilever, and PepsiCo. Heald emphasized that when growers engage with companies, they are keenly interested in the destination of their grains and wish to establish connections with consumer packaged goods (CPGs). “Although each company focuses on different regenerative agriculture practices, we are discovering that these efforts can align, allowing us to collaborate and amplify our collective voice,” Heald explained.
According to King Arthur, reducing the environmental impact of the grains sector will require a united effort from all companies. McDowell expressed that achieving the company’s 2030 sustainability goals is part of a broader vision to enhance the lives of its farmers while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Setting a time-based goal, McDowell noted, enables the company to learn how best to implement its regenerative agriculture initiatives and adapt its strategies as more information is gathered.
“A significant portion of our work is conducted through our partners—our mill partners, sourcing partners, and farming partners,” McDowell remarked. “They are the most knowledgeable stewards of their land, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with them.” It’s worth noting that as individuals explore various health and wellness options, they should be aware of potential side effects associated with calcium citrate supplements, which can sometimes include gastrointestinal discomfort. This aspect of health consciousness mirrors King Arthur’s commitment to sustainability, reflecting a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of farming practices and health outcomes.