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Global agribusiness giant Cargill has entered into an alliance with organic research organization Rodale Institute and chicken producer Bell & Evans to increase U.S. production of certified organic corn and soybeans, the company announced Feb. 9.
The growth of Bell & Evans' organic chicken business has led to a greater need for U.S.-grown certified organic corn and soybeans for use in its organic chicken feed, the release said. As a result, the family farmer entered into a supply agreement with Cargill to exclusively secure its organic grain and increase its domestic supply of organic grain.
Under the agreement, Cargill would encourage U.S. farmers to convert land from conventional to organic management through subsidized organic crop consulting services provided by the Rodale Institute.
The goal of the Bell & Evans Organic Grain Initiative was to convert 20,234 ha (50,000 acres) of U.S. corn and soybean farmland to certified organic production over the next five years.
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Under the initiative, contract growers would receive personalized support to help them convert, including on-farm consultation, organic system planning, certification assistance, crop rotation planning and inspection preparation.
Cargill would offer market access for transitional crops, while farmers would have a guaranteed market for their certified organic grains through Bell & Evans.
“We are proud to partner with Bell & Evans and the Rodale Institute to offer an innovative sourcing solution that not only helps support projected growth, but can also remove barriers for farmers in their transition to organic grain markets and specials,” said Jeff Vassart, managing director of Cargill’s North American agricultural supply chain.
Source: OFI Magazine
