The move signals another mile-marker in the CPG giant's recently published open-source roadmap to "net zero." Mars will work with a cohort of industry leaders to implement a host of meaningful on-farm interventions focused on critical areas such as enteric methane reduction, efficient manure management, and sustainable feed production.

 Mars is also partnering with Friesland Campina for the Mars-Friesland Campina Sustainable Dairy Development Program To deliver more sustainable dairy, the program will serve as a platform where new practices and innovative technologies can be refined and scaled-up in a focused and accelerated environment, with an ultimate goal of broader adoption across the entire co-op.

"Doing our part to keep our planet healthy is an absolute non-negotiable for us at Mars," said Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer, Mars Snacking. "But our vision for more sustainable dairy will only become a reality with the support and actions of farmers and our suppliers. Which is why, as part of our Moo'ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, we're putting millions of dollars directly back into the pockets of farmers through our contracts to help them make climate smart changes to the way they farm. Together, I know that we can forge a path that helps address climate change head on and contributes to reshaping our wider industry for a more sustainable future." 

Building on an ethos of investing in long-term innovation, Mars has launched three pilot "net zero" dairy farms with the DMK Group in Germany. The sites will study and aim to implement new science and technology with an ambition to create a scalable and economically viable pathway to net zero dairy. The five-year project is a first-of-its-kind for the prominent food and pet care and services conglomerate.