September 27, 2020

 

Cargill, Walmart, McDonald's invest $6M to help restore grasslands

 

 

Cargill, Walmart Foundation and McDonald's are investing over US$6 million in an initiative led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that aims to make lasting improvements to the grasslands of the Northern Great Plains, which spans more than 180 million acres and crosses five US states and two Canadian provinces.

 

The new programme, called the Ranch Systems and Viability Planning (RSVP) network, will support ranchers across the ecoregion—focusing primarily on Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota—with technical expertise, training and tools to help advance grazing practices that improve the health of the land.

 

By improving management of one million acres over five years and avoiding conversion, this effort will result in increased carbon storage and sequestration, improved water infiltration and better outcomes for biodiversity, Cargill said in a press release posted on its website.

 

"Collaborative efforts like this can accelerate innovative, sustainable solutions and support ranchers in the beef supply chain", said Kathleen McLaughlin, EVP and chief sustainability officer for Walmart and president of the Walmart Foundation.

 

"Sustainable grazing practices that improve soil health, absorb carbon and reduce water consumption can help to protect the land and people who depend on it".

 

Martha Kauffman, managing director of WWF's Northern Great Plains programme, said the RSVP network will support ranching partners in "planning and improving the resiliency of their operations, so they continue to provide habitat for wildlife, store carbon, filter clean water, produce nutritious food and support communities for generations to come".

 

Supporting McDonald's goal

 

The partnership also supports McDonald's goal to help significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and evolve the food system for a resilient and sustainable future.

 

"I'm proud of McDonald's investment in programmes like the Ranch Systems and Viability Planning network. These partnerships bring producers, suppliers, NGOs and brands to the table to drive the widespread adoption of more sustainable and regenerative practices that reduce emissions, mitigate climate change and support livelihoods", said Francesca DeBiase, McDonald's EVP, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer.

 

Meanwhile, the project is also part of Cargill's BeefUp Sustainability initiative, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the company's beef supply chain by 30% by 2030, measured on a per pound of beef basis against a 2017 baseline.

 

Earlier this year, Cargill launched two other programmes to support this goal, including a grassland restoration effort and an initiative to implement proven soil health practices in cattle feed.

 

"We believe beef cattle can be a force for good, and one of the ways we can address some of our shared challenges by preserving wildlife and drawing down carbon", said Heather Tansey, sustainability lead for Cargill's protein and animal nutrition and health businesses.

 

"This initiative is a testament to that. I'm inspired by the efforts of ranchers who live this belief each day, and grateful for our partners who join us lending scale, resources and experience to advance realistic solutions that address climate change".

 

Cargill said grasslands have evolved to be grazed and that cattle grazing, when managed well, can deliver many conservation benefits including healthy grasslands, improved soil and the preservation of key habitats.