Sustainable Agriculture

 

Tomatoes are one of the world’s largest crops, and Heinz uses more processed tomatoes – approximately 3.1 million raw equivalent tons per year – than any other company in the world. The Company uses this unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainable tomato farming.

We continue to recognize that sustainable agriculture practices have broad economic, environmental and social impacts. At the cornerstone of our progress against our stated goals are our global agriculture training program, HeinzSeed natural tomato breeding program and expanded partnerships in reducing the carbon footprint.

Global Agriculture Program The Heinz Global Agriculture Program (GAP) is based on the principle 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.

Our team of tomato experts travels the globe as part of an extensive education initiative to teach farmers how to grow tomatoes more efficiently and sustainably, providing not only significant health and environmental benefits but also economic and social advancements.

HeinzSeed With our own proprietary tomato seeds and traditional breeding techniques (no genetic modification), HeinzSeed helps farmers adhere to a more sustainable agriculture program. HeinzSeed tomatoes remain ripe longer when stored in the field. They provide a combination of disease-resistance and high yield, which allows the farmer to harvest more tons with the same or less chemicals, water and fertilizer.

Carbon Sequestration Heinz is continuing its carbon sequestration project in association with the Sustainable Food Laboratory. Carbon sequestration is the process through which agricultural and forestry practices remove carbon dioxide (CO₂), the significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted by human activities, from the atmosphere. Additionally, Heinz has teamed up with several global sustainable companies to implement the Cool Farm Tool – a program that will estimate the net GHG emissions generated from the agricultural process of different crops around the world.

When combined, these sustainable agriculture initiatives enhance the quality of tomatoes that go into Heinz products while reducing environmental impacts and improving the lives of thousands of growers.

Simply put, Heinz is doing more than developing tomatoes: we’re cultivating a commitment to sustainability that we believe benefits our Company, our growers and the environment.