General Mills Launches Sustainable Sourcing Program in Peru

As part of the General Mills long term sustainable sourcing program, the company and its Foundation announced a four-year joint commitment with supplier partner AgroMantaro to provide $1.1 million to help smallholder artichoke farmers in Peru increase yields and improve profitability, company officials say. The new program will reach nearly 100 small-scale artichoke farmers in Peru and according to company officials will:

Depending on how much land farmers devote to artichokes, families can increase their income by an average of 36% annually. Peru’s central region was previously known for cultivating crops such as potatoes and grains, which have lower income potential. General Mills and its Foundation are partnering with supplier AgroMantaro and global humanitarian organization CARE on this program. Each organization brings unique strengths, officials add:

General Mills sources its high-quality artichokes for France’s brand, Green Giant, or, Le Géant Vert, from farmers in Peru’s Sierra region. “General Mills celebrates a century-long history of working closely with farmers around the world to promote sustainable agriculture,” says Jerry Lynch, vice president and chief sustainability officer at General Mills. “Today, we continue that tradition with an increased focus on improving the environmental, economic and social impacts of sustainable sourcing. We’re not going to see dramatic change unless we make investments to help farmers grow more and improve their livelihoods. Working closely with great organizations like CARE and AgroMantaro, we can create positive, long-term changes.” The Central Andes region of Junín, with its ideal climate, rich soil, and consistent water source, is an optimal location to grow premium artichokes, officials add. Artichokes grown in this region produce for three years, after which the field has to be re-planted. Part of the General Mills-AgroMantaro commitment is to help Peruvian farmers obtain microcredits to purchase new seeds or plants. Historically, Andes farmers have not had reliable funds or enough savings to secure future plantings. This new program centers on the farmer – providing them with technical assistance, knowledge sharing and financial support for seeds and plants. “By focusing on the farmers, we created a rich business model that fosters world-class value throughout the entire supply chain – for the farmers, our company, our clients and the end consumers,” says Augusto Fernandini, general manager and partner at AgroMantaro. “Our aim is to create a positive blend with farmers sharing their local experience and our company sharing insights on how to build a sustainable and profitable farming business.” “CARE is thrilled to build on its long-standing partnership with General Mills and the General Mills Foundation,” says Milo Stanojevich, country director for CARE Peru. “Working with the Green Giant brand and their local supplier, CARE will empower marginalized farmers in Junín, Peru to improve the production of artichokes, create an effective and sustainable production chain and ultimately improve the quality of life for their families. This project demonstrates how innovative corporate non-governmental organization partnerships have the ability to create opportunity for the poor while meeting a business need.” General Mills Grows Commitment to Small Farmers General Mills has a century-long history of working with farmers around the world to promote sustainable agriculture. Higher yielding crops, reduced pesticide use and disease resistance are among the best practices that General Mills has shared with farmers, officials say. From China to Mexico, General Mills has advanced several programs directly benefiting smallholder farmers. Most recently, General Mills, the General Mills Foundation and Häagen-Dazs launched a program in Madagascar to foster greater economic vitality for smallholder vanilla farmers to ensure the availability of high quality vanilla for future generations, officials add. “This artichoke project in Peru is a great example of organizations with strong global networks coming together with a common goal to improve both sustainability and quality of life,” says Lynch. “Business is better and stronger if the farmers and vendors who supply us are strengthened at the same time. Although it’s just one example, we must continue to be a responsible corporate steward and use our resources to help improve the lives and communities of smallholder farmers in developing countries.