Targeting transparency: ADM exec talks planet conscious, plant-based line via regenerative agriculture

20 Mar 2023 --- ADM has launched Knwble Grwn, a brand designed to provide consumers with sustainably-sourced, plant-based ingredients leveraging operations from small or underrepresented farmers producing crops via regenerative agriculture practices. The launch is a direct-to-consumer, food ingredient line derived from sustainably sourced crops, including applications of flaxseed, hemp seed, flax oil, hemp oil and quinoa.

ADM is focusing on engaging with small or underrepresented farmers, such as veterans, Indigenous Americans and other minorities, to produce the crops that become Knwble Grwn. These farmers receive financial incentives for being early adopters of regenerative agricultural practices.

“Today’s consumers are demanding more from the products they purchase. ADM’s supply chain leadership enables us to link consumers with Knwble Grwn farmers,” Jaime Goehner, commercial manager at ADM  tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“We maintain close connections with our farmers to provide transparency into how our products are produced.”

ADM’s new line hopes to answer these consumer demands for transparency and ethical practice.

“Knwble Grwn is a new line of plant-based, sustainably sourced food ingredients inspired by a women and minority-led team at ADM,” Goehner says. 

“We purposefully select the crops that become Knwble Grwn products and partner with farmers focused on regenerative agriculture practices.

ADM is developing products from sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices.Regenerative agriculture
ADM is collaborating with these growers because they recognize the positive impact regenerative agricultural practices can have on their land. ADM has ambitious environmental goals to reduce scope three emissions and the environmental impact of its supply chain. The Knwble Grwn brand and its focus on regenerative agriculture is one component of those efforts.

“Knwble Grwn products can enable farmers to introduce another crop into their rotation to enhance biodiversity further. Regenerative agriculture is adaptive to specific farms' geographic and cultural practices – so different farms may be implementing different practices.”

Goehner notes that ADM is keen to encourage the use of these practices on a broad scale.

“We focus on contracting with small or traditionally underrepresented farmers and offer financial incentives for being early adopters of regenerative agriculture practices. Knwble Grwn is one component of a larger ADM initiative to encourage more farmers to use regenerative agriculture practices.”

“Generally, regenerative agriculture practices include minimizing soil disturbance, improving soil structure and quality, continuously covering bare soil, maximizing biodiversity and responsibly managing inputs.”

Goehner notes that the products from ADM’s new brand will provide sustainable incentives, saying, “Knwble Grwn products can provide farmers an alternative crop to grow in their rotation to enhance biodiversity and soil health further.”

In similar news, CMBC and ADM have contracted 23 farmers to grow an estimated 7,000 metric tons of regenerative barley this year. 

ADM targets wellness
ADM has been expanding its focus on both wellness for the planet and consumers alike, announcing last year that it was to scale its probiotic production in line with growing trends, with special focus on the microbiome. 

Similarly, ADM notes growing interest from consumers toward quality ingredients that also display clean labels, leading consumers toward plant-based options.

By James Davies

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