Mars Incorporated aims to expand IDH “Sustainable Production of Calves program” – adding an additional 120 ranchers to an existing program of 700 small-scale cattle ranchers, supporting regenerative agriculture practices.
Mars, Incorporated has joined forces with IDH, a global foundation focused on transforming Agri commodities’ markets, and other private sector partners to expand a program aimed at supporting small-scale cattle ranchers in Brazil through good farming practices that contribute to regenerative agriculture.
Mars’ Pet Nutrition business will invest €600,000, building on a €80,000 investment from IDH, to further develop the program and expand support to an additional 120 ranchers by the end of 2026.
© © Marcus Mesquita Photographer. All rights reservedThe Sustainable Production of Calves Program, which has been running since 2019 and currently supports 700 small-scale cattle ranchers in three different biomes in Mato Grosso and Pará states of Brazil, aims to improve the sustainability, resilience, and incomes of small-scale cattle production. Through the program, ranchers receive training and technical assistance in areas such as environmental regularization, soil health, water, pasture management, animal welfare, as well as support to access markets for their products. The program also aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with beef production and increase cattle traceability, encouraging deforestation-free supply chains.
As Mars continues to make progress in achieving our goal of net zero emissions by 2050, we are proud to be partnering with IDH to expand this important initiative. Mars Petcare is committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, and we believe that supporting small-scale ranchers in Brazil as they adopt regenerative agriculture practices is an important step for the long-term health of the planet.
Paul Gardner, Mars Pet Nutrition Chief Procurement Officer
We are excited to be working with Mars Petcare on this program, which aligns with our shared goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive agrocommodities production in Brazil. Together, we believe that we can make a real difference in the lives of small-scale ranchers and the environment, by transforming markets.
Manuela Maluf Santos, the IDH Brazil interim country director
Field activities have begun and are expected to have a significant impact on the sustainability of small-scale cattle production in Brazil. In addition, this investment will support IDH and its partners in in achieving the goal of registering 1 million traceable animals by 2025 following the Protocol for the Sustainable Production of Calves.
Traceability and deforestation-free
One of the most promising parts of this program, with the potential to transform beef and leather production systems, was the creation of the Sustainable Production of Calves Protocol co-designed by IDH and the CNA Institute (Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock). This protocol classifies calves across three categories: technical assistance for compliance and improvement, legal compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code and, thirdly, deforestation-free. To date, about 200,000 animals are part of this platform. By the end of 2025, the Program estimates that there will be voluntary declaration by cattle ranchers of 1 million animals.
This partnership is just one of the many initiatives Mars is taking to reaffirm its commitment to advance its Sustainable in a Generation Plan (SiGP) and ensure sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. Mars’ science-based target aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our full value chain by 2050, including all scope 3 emissions such as those created by suppliers & customers. With this move, Mars is showing its dedication to mobilizing initiatives that promote regenerative agriculture practices and responsible sourcing to accelerate the journey towards its Climate and Agriculture aspirations to actively contribute to a better future for pets, people, and the planet.