Nestlé, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and Cargill have joined forces to support adopting voluntary conservation practices that combat climate change. This collaboration will bolster native wildlife habitats and maintain a strong beef supply chain. The partnership, one of the most significant private sector regenerative ranching initiatives in the U.S., will see two of the world’s largest food companies investing a combined $15 million, which can leverage up to $15 million in federal funds, resulting in up to $30 million in grant funding over the next five years.
This partnership will unite private landowners and local conservation organizations to endorse voluntary land management practices, enhance water management, and restore wildlife habitats. The collaboration is expected to generate carbon benefits across more than 15 states, including areas in the Great Plains, Mountain West, Midwest, and Southeastern portions of the U.S. The first set of NFWF-awarded grants enabled by this partnership is anticipated to be announced in April 2023.
Farmers and ranchers will directly benefit from these funds by receiving technical and financial support to implement regenerative practices on their lands. In addition, the partnership will aid thousands of cattle producers nationwide as they adopt voluntary practices that will benefit hundreds of species, including migrating songbirds, elk, and freshwater mussels. NFWF estimates that investing in regenerative practices on 1.7 million acres over the next five years could sequester up to an estimated 845,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, supporting vital grassland habitats, improving water quality, and maintaining forage quality and quantity for animal health.
Emily Johannes, Director of Diverse and Sustainable Sourcing at Nestlé USA, emphasized the importance of the partnership in creating a regenerative ranching, healthy food system. Taking action on regenerative agriculture means assisting farmers and ranchers in implementing practices that restore the land, absorb carbon, and enhance environmental health. The collaborative efforts will serve as an action-based roadmap for sustainability leaders interested in positively impacting their supply chains but may not know where to start. The partnership’s national grassland impact will also benefit local ranching families.
Image provided by Cargill Inc
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