Our global agriculture program is based on the principles of creating a long-term farm management philosophy that is equally focused on productivity, environmental stewardship and prosperity. When these best practices are properly implemented, growers can expect their farming operations to become economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

When Heinz explores expanding into various regions of the world (particularly tomato-growing regions), we establish a stable, long-term program with processors who are committed to meeting our high standards. Our goal is that these processors only purchase products from growers who strictly follow our global agricultural practices, which include earth-friendly techniques (e.g., drip irrigation).

Heinz Keystone Farm Program

In addition, we have established the Heinz Keystone Farm Program in Europe. Through this initiative, Heinz identifies a limited number of growers as Keystone Farms in each farming region. The Keystone Farms introduce and promote Heinz Good Agricultural Practices to other growers in the European agricultural areas that grow Heinz crops.

General Concept

To develop, introduce and implement Heinz Good Agricultural Practices as well as to measure, document and showcase these environmentally sound, economically positive and ethically valuable farming methods.

Principles

Heinz has developed a matrix to better assess the sustainability of agriculture production within the Heinz supply chain. We are working on developing agriculture indicators within the following areas:

• Agro-Ecological Scale: Biodiversity, energy use, water, soil (fertility and loss), waste, genetic material, plant protection and fertilization
• Agro-Economy Scale: Produce income securities, product value and access for local economies
• Agro-Social Scale: Employee welfare, social/human capital, traceability and food safety

Assessment and Communication

• Improve the cooperation of main stakeholders along the supply chain
• Increase assessment and monitoring of metrics of established Heinz agriculture programs
• Utilize hands-on field training to transfer technology to other growers and showcase Heinz Good Agricultural Practices
• Learn, transfer knowledge and communicate more efficiently and more effectively both internally and with partner organizations

Good Agricultural Practices Program Highlights

China

• Reduction in fertilizers and chemicals used
• More efficient water-management program
• Reclamation and improvement of soils, such as optimum soil pH and salt levels
• 58% yield increase per year versus traditional farming methods

Ukraine

• 100% drip irrigation since 2006
• 95% utilization of starter tomato transplants
• Reduction in water use and nitrogen application

Egypt

• Yield increases of 20+% from previous years
• Soil management systems that reduce salinity
• Nitrogen reduction of 20% from historical levels
• Safe chemical-handling systems introduced

Latvia

• Production of beans with minimal inputs (e.g., water and fertilizers)
• Product sourcing much closer to point of use (e.g., less miles to transport product)
• Introduction of new crop options to agriculturally poor regions