Introduction to the General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard

Transcription

1 Introduction to the General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 of the General Mills Regenerative Agriculture scorecard is a user-friendly tool to verify implementation of on-farm management practices as they relate to regenerative agriculture principles. While a standardized definition of regenerative agriculture does not exist, at General Mills we define it as agriculture that protects and intentionally enhances natural resources and farm communities. Purpose of the Scorecard Developed in collaboration with farmers, scientists, practitioners, and a diverse group of employees across the General Mills family, the scorecard is designed to be inclusive of all farming systems small and large, organic and conventional, crop and livestock, domestic and international. It builds upon the strong foundation found in organic, and it includes additional emphasis on building natural resources. We built the scorecard with three primary goals in mind:. Verify the implementation of on-farm management practices and increase transparency within our supply chain;. Create a simple tool for farmers to understand baselines, identify strengths, and determine areas for improvement;. Make progress toward understanding how agricultural practices can lead to outcomes of interest. Ultimately, we are striving to measure on-farm outcomes such as soil organic carbon and above ground biodiversity to verify that our supply chain is having the impact we strive for at the farm level. In the interim, as we continue to develop the General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Measurement Protocol, the evaluation of practices represents an important step within a broader journey toward understanding links between agricultural management practices and regenerative outcomes. How the Scorecard was Developed This practice-based scorecard includes 9 farming practices that, as research suggests, lead to three key outcomes of interest: soil health, above ground biodiversity, and economic resilience in farming communities. To develop this list of indicators, we leveraged peer-reviewed studies, resources from technical services such as the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conversation Service, and the expertise of external stakeholders, including farmers and scientists. The scorecard does not present an exhaustive list of regenerative management strategies, but rather a core set of outcomes-focused practices against which farmers and farmworkers can autonomously assess their operations. How to use the Scorecard The scorecard is not a standard or a framework for a product claim, but rather a user-friendly self-assessment tool designed to be completed in under one hour. The goal of the -- tiering system is to be inclusive of practices that fall on a spectrum of regenerative agriculture, while encouraging producers to continuously advance gold standard strategies to regenerate resources. Completion of the scorecard will generate a total score; the purpose of the quantitative score is not to measure against a defined threshold for regenerative agriculture, but rather to help producers understand opportunities for continuous improvement and to help illuminate connections between farming practices and desired outcomes. We still have a lot to learn about the science, opportunities, and challenges within regenerative agriculture. As we continue learning, our goal is to actively strive toward making a positive impact. We welcome feedback and look forward to iterating on this tool over time as we continue our journey to advance regenerative agriculture through credible on-farm measurements. If this tool can be useful for your operation or supply chain, please feel free to use and evolve it. We d love to hear about your experience! Page of 6

2 Version.0 February 08 General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Applicability of each indicator depends on the agricultural system (e.g., annual cropping systems, livestock systems, systems abutting water bodies, etc.) and producers will only be assessed against applicable indicators as outlined in the applicability column. The total score will be normalized to a percentage in order to adjust for applicability. Applicability Category Points Indicator Score When primary crops or pasture types are not planted in the soil, cover crops are planted on at least 50% of the productive area. Producers may find the NRCS Cover Crop Chart in the appendix useful. Cover Cropping When primary crops or pasture types are not planted in the soil, cover crops are planted on at least 75% of the productive area. Producers may find the NRCS Cover Crop Chart in the appendix useful. When primary crops or pasture types are not planted in the soil, cover crops are planted on 90% of the productive area. Producers may find the NRCS Cover Crop Chart in the appendix useful. At least 5% of the productive areas incorporate plants that remain in the ground for at least years. Examples of incorporating perennial plants into productive areas may include tree intercropping, planting perennial pasture varieties, and incorporating perennial crops into crop rotations. Permanent Planting At least 50% of the productive areas incorporate plants that remain in the ground for at least years. Examples of incorporating perennial plants into productive areas may include tree intercropping, planting perennial pasture varieties, and incorporating perennial crops into crop rotations. At least 75% of the productive areas incorporate plants that remain in the ground for at least years. Examples of incorporating perennial plants into productive areas may include tree intercropping, planting perennial pasture varieties, and incorporating perennial crops into crop rotations. All pesticide use must be justified with evidence that a severe pest outbreak exists or has the potential to exist, as determined by scouting and monitoring protocols for common crop pests to determine whether an economic threshold has been reached. If no established threshold exists, the professional judgement of a certified pest control adviser, accredited crop consultant, extension agent, or other third party credentialed independent pest management specialist can determine whether pesticide use is justified. Use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) is prohibited, due to their long-lived and highly toxic nature. Producers can use the UC IPM Agricultural Pest Index to determine economic thresholds: Pest Management In addition to 4., producer must implement a robust integrated pest management (IPM) strategy per stipulations defined by University of California IPM: The plan must include an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as pheromone traps, pest mating disruption, trap cropping, maturity date selection, and use of resistant plant varieties. Any pesticide applications are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment. UC IPM Definition: In addition to 4., any pesticides used must be allowed under the Organic program. Alternatively, producer may meet this stipulation if they avoid all pesticides included on the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (in addition to all 4. stipulations). National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in the Organic Program: PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides: General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page of 6

3 Version.0 February 08 Applicability Category Points Indicator Score Producer implements conservation tillage, such that at least 0% of the soil surface is covered by crop residue year-round, including following planting. Producers may find the NRCS 'Farming with Crop Residue' guide in the appendix helpful. 4 Minimization of Tillage At least 40% of the soil surface is covered by crop residue year-round, including following planting. Producers may find the NRCS 'Farming with Crop Residue' guide in the appendix helpful. At least 40% of the soil surface is covered by crop residue year-round, including following planting, and producer operates a no-till system. A field is said to have had no tillage operations if none of the following categories of machinery was used on the field between the harvest of the previous crop and the current year s planting: Plows and disks, including moldboard plow, offset disk, and tandem disk; harrows; bedder-shapers; packers; and any miscellaneous tillage equipment such as Land-all, Do-all, Mix-n-till, mulch treader, rototiller, soil finisher, or stalk puller. Producers may find the NRCS 'Farming with Crop Residue' guide in the appendix helpful. Proportion of productive area that is in natural or semi-natural habitat is between -% and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. 5 Natural Habitat Within Productive Area Proportion of productive area that is in natural or semi-natural habitat is between -9% and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. Proportion of productive area that is in natural or semi-natural habitat is over 0% and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. 6 Natural Habitat in Areas Surrounding Productive Fields At least 0% of the vegetation within / mile of the productive fields is natural or semi-natural, and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. This stipulation only applies to land that the producer owns or controls. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. At least 0% of the vegetation within / mile of the productive fields is natural or semi-natural, and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. This stipulation only applies to land that the producer owns or controls. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. At least 0% of the vegetation within / mile of the productive fields is natural or semi-natural, and there is at least a 75-foot buffer between any habitat and areas sprayed with pesticides. This stipulation only applies to land that the producer owns or controls. Examples of natural and semi-natural habitat include insectary strips, riparian buffers, prairie, shrublands, woodlands, and grasslands. Lawn grass and row crops would not be considered natural habitat. General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page of 6

4 Version.0 February 08 Applicability Category Points Indicator Score Nutrient applications follow the 4 R's of nutrient stewardship: Right source: nutrients are supplied in plant-available forms that are appropriate for the soil's physical and chemical properties; compatibility of nutrient source blends and synergisms between nutrient elements are addressed. Examples include avoiding nitrate application to flooded soils, avoiding urea applications on soil surfaces with a high ph, and avoiding nutrient blends that attract moisture when mixed. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right rate: plant nutrient demand, soil nutrient supply, and all available nutrient sources are addressed. Examples include GPS grid sampling and use of flow meters. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right time: timing of nutrient uptake and dynamics of soil nutrient supply are addressed. Examples include dividing the total amount of nutrients applied during a season into two or more applications, and only applying in the Spring when nutrient needs are highest. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right place: nutrients are supplied strategically so plants can access them. Examples include banding, injecting, and side-dressing. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. For additional information on implementing the 4 R's, refer to the appendix or 7 Nutrient Provisions Nutrient applications follow the 4 R's of nutrient stewardship: Right source: nutrients are supplied in plant-available forms that are appropriate for the soil's physical and chemical properties; compatibility of nutrient source blends and synergisms between nutrient elements are addressed. Examples include avoiding nitrate application to flooded soils, avoiding urea applications on soil surfaces with a high ph, and avoiding nutrient blends that attract moisture when mixed. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right rate: plant nutrient demand, soil nutrient supply, and all available nutrient sources are addressed. Examples include GPS grid sampling and use of flow meters. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right time: timing of nutrient uptake and dynamics of soil nutrient supply are addressed. Examples include dividing the total amount of nutrients applied during a season into two or more applications, and only applying in the Spring when nutrient needs are highest. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right place: nutrients are supplied strategically so plants can access them. Examples include banding, injecting, and side-dressing. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. In addition, at least 50% of plant nutrient needs (by volume) come from organic approved sources. National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in the Organic Program: For additional information on implementing the 4 R's, refer to the appendix or Nutrient applications follow the 4 R's of nutrient stewardship: Right source: nutrients are supplied in plant-available forms that are appropriate for the soil's physical and chemical properties; compatibility of nutrient source blends and synergisms between nutrient elements are addressed. Examples include avoiding nitrate application to flooded soils, avoiding urea applications on soil surfaces with a high ph, and avoiding nutrient blends that attract moisture when mixed. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right rate: plant nutrient demand, soil nutrient supply, and all available nutrient sources are addressed. Examples include GPS grid sampling and use of flow meters. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right time: timing of nutrient uptake and dynamics of soil nutrient supply are addressed. Examples include dividing the total amount of nutrients applied during a season into two or more applications, and only applying in the Spring when nutrient needs are highest. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. Right place: nutrients are supplied strategically so plants can access them. Examples include banding, injecting, and side-dressing. Producers may find the Nutrient Stewardship Guide helpful on tab 4. In addition, 00% of plant nutrient needs (by volume) come from organic approved sources. National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances in the Organic Program: For additional information on implementing the 4 R's, refer to the appendix or General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 4 of 6

5 Version.0 February 08 Applicability Category Points Indicator Score System demonstrates a focus on water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting, precision irrigation, and selection of drought-resistant crop varieties. If irrigation techniques are used, they demonstrate at least a 70% application efficiency rate (e.g., solid set). Producers may find the application efficiency guide in the appendix helpful. 8 Water Conservation System demonstrates a focus on water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting, precision irrigation, and selection of drought-resistant crop varieties. If irrigation techniques are used, they demonstrate at least an 80% application efficiency rate (e.g., center pivot). Producers may find the application efficiency guide in the appendix helpful. Where climate permits, crop water needs are primarily met by rainwater. In more arid regions, irrigation techniques have at least a 90% application efficiency rate (e.g., drip irrigation). Producers may find the application efficiency guide in the appendix helpful. 9 Broader Community Conservation and Restoration Involvement Producer is involved in at least one regional or national initiative that aims to restore land and water resources. Examples include the Organic Trade Association and NRCS Extension. Producer is involved in at least two regional or national initiatives that aim to restore land and water resources. Examples include the Organic Trade Association and NRCS Extension. Producer is involved in at least three regional or national initiatives that aim to restore land and water resources. Examples include the Organic Trade Association and NRCS Extension. 0 Wage Practices For any hired temporary or permanent workers, producer pays at least the mean regional wage for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (code ), as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This stipulation refers to the lowest paid worker, rather than an average or median of all hourly wages. Determine mean wage here: For any hired temporary or permanent workers, producer pays at least 50% above the mean regional wage for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (code ), as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This stipulation refers to the lowest paid worker, rather than an average or median of all hourly wages. Determine mean wage here: For any hired temporary or permanent workers, producer pays at least double the mean regional wage for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (code ), as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This stipulation refers to the lowest paid worker, rather than an average or median of all hourly wages. Determine mean wage here: Local Community Stewardship Producer works to minimize any negative impacts on nearby communities (e.g., noise, odor, transportation disturbance). Producer openly communicates with local community and considers farming operation impacts on quality of life in the community. In addition to 9., producer donates product and/or financial contributions to the local community (e.g. schools, sports teams). In addition to 9., producer acts as a community resource through activities such as hosting agricultural workshops/field days or community fundraisers to promote open communication and participation in community. General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 5 of 6

6 Version.0 February 08 Applicability Category Points Indicator Score Intercropping Intercropping is implemented in at least 5% of the productive area. Intercropping can include companion planting, interseeding, relay cropping, smother cropping, and other practices that involve growing two or more plant species simultaneously in close proximity. Intercropping is implemented in at least 50% of the productive area. Intercropping can include companion planting, interseeding, relay cropping, smother cropping, and other practices that involve growing two or more plant species simultaneously in close proximity. Intercropping is implemented in at least 75% of the productive area. Intercropping can include companion planting, interseeding, relay cropping, smother cropping, and other practices that involve growing two or more plant species simultaneously in close proximity. In at least 75% of the productive area: Producer implements a three-year minimum crop rotation. Both a warm season and a cool season plant are incorporated at least once during the full rotation. Both cash crops and noncash crops may count toward this goal. No two identical compositions are planted to the same productive area within the minimum three-year rotation. Annual cropping and Crop Rotations pasture systems In at least 75% of the productive area: Producer implements a three-year minimum crop rotation. At least three of the following plant types are planted at least once during the full rotation: warm season broadleaf, cool season broadleaf, warm season grass, and cool season grass. An example of an appropriate rotation is barley-sunflower-sorghum-radish. Both cash crops and non-cash crops may count toward this goal. No two identical compositions are planted to the same productive area within the minimum three-year rotation. In at least 75% of the productive area: Producer implements a three-year minimum crop rotation. All four of the following plant types are planted at least once during the full rotation: warm season broadleaf, cool season broadleaf, warm season grass, and cool season grass. An example of an appropriate rotation is barley-sunflower-sorghum-radish. Both cash crops and non-cash crops may count toward this goal. No two identical compositions are planted to the same productive area within the minimum three-year rotation. 4 Cropping systems for which at least 50% of sales are from crops Integration of Planned Livestock Grazing into Cropping Systems Rotational livestock grazing is integrated into at least 5% of the productive area. Rotational livestock grazing is integrated into at least 50% of the productive area. Rotational livestock grazing is integrated into 75% of the productive area. 5 Livestock operations for which at least 50% of sales are from livestock products. Intensive Rotational Grazing At least 50% of livestock in the operation are incorporated into an intensive rotational grazing plan wherein livestock do not graze the same paddock for more than one week. At least 75% of livestock in the operation are incorporated into an intensive rotational grazing plan wherein livestock do not graze the same paddock for more than one week. 00% of livestock in the operation are incorporated into an intensive rotational grazing plan wherein livestock do not graze the same paddock for more than one week. 6 Livestock operations for which at least 50% of sales Native Pasture are from livestock products. At least 5% of pasture species are native to the region. USDA NRCS defines a native plant as "a plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. In the [U.S.] only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered to be native." At least 50% of pasture species are native to the region. USDA NRCS defines a native plant as "a plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. In the [U.S.] only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered to be native. " At least 75% of pasture species are native to the region. USDA NRCS defines a native plant as "a plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. In the [U.S.] only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered to be native." General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 6 of 6

7 Version.0 February 08 Applicability Category Points Indicator Score 7 Livestock operations for which at least 50% of sales are from livestock products. Multi-species Livestock Integration System includes both monogastric species (e.g., chickens) and ruminant species (e.g., cattle). System includes both monogastric species (e.g., chickens) and ruminant (e.g., cattle) species and at least three different livestock species are incorporated within the productive area. System includes both monogastric species (e.g., chickens) and ruminant (e.g., cattle) species and at least four different livestock species are incorporated within the productive area. Producer adheres to the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare (below) and animals have access to the outdoors for at least 0 days of the year. Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from pain, injury, or disease Freedom from fear and distress Freedom to express normal behaviors 8 All systems with livestock Animal Welfare Producer adheres to the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare (below) and animals have access to the outdoors for at least 80 days of the year. Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from pain, injury, or disease Freedom from fear and distress Freedom to express normal behaviors Producer adheres to the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare (below) and animals have access to the outdoors for at least 00 days of the year. Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from pain, injury, or disease Freedom from fear and distress Freedom to express normal behaviors Additionally, producer is certified through one of the following three programs: Global Animal Partnership, Animal Welfare Approved, and Certified Humane Riparian buffers at least 50 feet wide are planted adjacent to all water bodies on the property to filter leached nutrients, reduce flooding, provide habitat, and reduce erosion. 9 Systems that border water bodies Riparian Buffers Riparian buffers at least 70 feet wide are planted adjacent to all water bodies on the property to filter leached nutrients, reduce flooding, provide habitat, and reduce erosion. Riparian buffers at least 85 feet wide are planted adjacent to all water bodies on the property to filter leached nutrients, reduce flooding, provide habitat, and reduce erosion. General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 7 of 6

8 Appendix: General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Version.0 February 08 USDA NRCS Cover Crop Chart General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 8 of 6

9 Version.0 February 08 USDA NRCS Technical Resources: Farming with Crop Residue See complete guide here: General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 9 of 6

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11 The Nutrient Stewardship 4R Pocket Guide See complete guide here: Version.0 February 08 General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page of 6

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16 Irrigation Application Efficiency Guide Version.0 February 08 Irmak, S., Odhiambo, L.O., Kranz, W.L., and Eisenhauer, D.E. 0. Irrigation efficiency and uniformity, and crop water use efficiency. Extension bulletin EC7. University of Nebraska, Lincoln. General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Scorecard Version.0 Page 6 of 6