Danone North America makes commitment to regenerative agriculture, soil health research
Danone North America will be advancing its soil health research program over the next 18 months.
Danone North America, White Plains, N.Y., launched a ground-breaking soil health initiative with renowned experts and academics to build best-in-class soil health programs to benefit farms and communities. The company is committing up to $6 million for the research program over the next five years. This program will begin with products involved in The Dannon Pledge, the company’s commitment to a range of progressive practices focused on sustainable agriculture, transparency and naturality for the Dannon, Oikos and Danimals brands.
“Soil is the foundation of our food system, with an estimated 95% of food directly or indirectly reliant on soil,” says Ryan Sirolli, agriculture director. “As America’s largest yogurt maker, we saw an opportunity to initiate this breakthrough research program with our supply chain. When we announced our pledge, we committed to championing sustainable agriculture, which includes reaching for better soil health. We will evaluate soil on the farms of growers who provide feed for cows and on the dairy farms where we buy milk. The long-lasting relationships we have with our growers and dairy farmers, who have a passion for change and strive for continuous improvement, have empowered us to launch this program. We know this work requires collaboration to make a meaningful impact, and we are excited to bring together uniquely skilled partners to help us to continue to fulfill our ambition.”