As companies push toward more sustainable and resilient supply chains in 2026, major food manufacturers are increasingly turning to regenerative agriculture to reduce emissions, strengthen farmer livelihoods, and enhance long‑term procurement stability.
One standout initiative is the partnership between Kellanova, Walmart, and Indigo Ag, which aims to bring regenerative practices to rice farmers in Arkansas.
Through the Source by Indigo program, the collaboration gives growers tools, financial incentives, and technical support to adopt climate‑smart farming methods — such as improved water management, optimized fertilizer use, crop rotation, and soil conservation.
This approach not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances soil health and strengthens profitability for farmers.
The expanded program builds on years of Walmart and Indigo Ag collaboration, which has already reduced more than 37,000 metric tons of CO₂e and helped conserve over 11 billion gallons of water, while putting nearly $1 million back into farmers’ pockets.
Kellanova’s involvement is expected to scale these benefits, contributing to its sustainability commitments and aligning with the company’s Better Days™ Promise, which includes ambitious goals for emissions reduction and community impact.
Kellanova has also experimented with regenerative agriculture elsewhere in its supply chain. A pilot program with Ahold Delhaize USA and Bartlett invested in regenerative wheat farming to lower Scope 3 emissions related to its iconic cracker products. This kind of farm‑to‑shelf collaboration shows how regenerative sourcing can work across multiple crop types and retail partners.
The regenerative push comes amid a broader industry trend of food companies seeking to reduce environmental impact and increase supply chain resilience.
Many corporations are balancing sustainability with operational efficiency, recognizing that practices like regenerative agriculture can help manage long‑term risks from climate extremes, soil degradation, and shifting consumer expectations.
In 2026, regenerative agriculture is increasingly viewed not just as a “nice to have” ESG initiative but as a strategic supply chain investment.
By partnering directly with farmers and leveraging data‑driven support tools, food giants like Kellanova and Walmart are helping to build a more resilient food system — one that aims to support local communities, protect natural resources, and deliver measurable environmental benefits.
