Maharashtra, December 26, 2024—ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global innovator leveraging nature’s resources, has proudly claimed the Sustainable Agriculture Award 2024 from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Recognized under the category of “Farm Level Sustainability Initiatives while Sourcing,” this award underscores ADM’s relentless dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and empowering smallholder farmers in India. Notably, this is ADM’s third Sustainable Agriculture Award, solidifying its role as a leader in farmer livelihood improvement and environmental conservation.

[(Middle to Right) ADM team members Vaibhav Kahate (Manager – Commercial, India) and Arun Khera (GR Director, India) accepting the prestigious FICCI Sustainable Agriculture Award 2024]

FICCI, one of India’s premier and oldest industry associations, organises the Sustainable Agriculture Awards to celebrate outstanding farmer engagement programmes that advance sustainable agricultural development. The 2024 awards, themed “Efficiency, Inclusiveness & Resilience,” provided a platform to share best practices and innovative solutions in sustainable farming.

ADM’s recognition is attributed to its pioneering programme, “Shashwat Sheti Upakram” (Programme for Phased Transition to Sustainable Farming), launched in 2021 in Maharashtra’s Latur, Beed, and Dharashiv districts. This initiative, executed in collaboration with Bayer Crop Sciences, Coromandel International Limited, the women-led NGO Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), and the College of Agriculture, Latur, spans 36,000 hectares and engages 25,500 farmers. The programme imparts sustainable farming knowledge and integrates farmers into ADM’s organised food processing value chain, adhering to the ProTerra Standard Ten Principles for sustainability in feed and food production.

Key Features of the Shashwat Sheti Upakram Programme:

Farmer Empowerment: Since 2021, over 38,000 farmers across three districts have received training and support in sustainable practices, aided by demonstration plots and timely guidance.

Sustainable Farming Practices: Emphasis on soil enrichment, integrated crop management, and efficient use of resources.

Economic Advancement: Enabling farmers to boost productivity, lower costs, and increase income.

Expanded Sustainable Sourcing: Steady growth in sourcing from sustainable farming areas since 2020, reinforcing ADM’s leadership in responsible sourcing.

In India, where agriculture forms the foundation of livelihoods and accounts for the largest consumption of natural resources, ADM’s initiatives are aligned with the nation’s sustainable development goals. The agriculture sector plays a vital role in economic and environmental stability, and ADM’s efforts contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering a more resilient agricultural future in India.

Amrendra Mishra, Managing Director (Oilseeds) & Country Manager India at ADM, expressed his gratitude, saying: “It is a tremendous honour to receive the FICCI Sustainable Agriculture Award for the third time. This accolade reflects our team’s unwavering dedication and reinforces ADM’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in India. By investing in innovation, collaborating with stakeholders, and empowering farmers, we aim to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the agricultural community and beyond.”

ADM harnesses the power of nature to improve quality of life. As a global leader in agricultural supply chain management and processing, ADM connects local needs with global capabilities to ensure food security.