FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Stefanie Spear, sspear@asyousow.org, 216-387-1609

BERKELEY, CA—MAY 10, 2022—In a win for climate, biodiversity, and environmental justice, 33.7% — representing more than $13 billion in assets — of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) shareholders supported an environmental health resolution filed by shareholder representative As You Sow. The resolution asks the multinational food processor to report how the company is measuring pesticide use and risk in its agricultural supply chains.  

Pesticide use creates a range of risks for food companies and shareholders. Pesticides kill pollinators that are responsible for one-third of the food we eat, and jeopardize the biodiversity of farms. By harming soil invertebrates in addition to birds and animals, the ability of soils to absorb carbon from the atmosphere is significantly reduced. Pesticide use also harms farmworkers and farm-adjacent communities, with recent studies demonstrating that people of color are more likely to be harmed.

ADM scored an “F” on As You Sow’s recent “Pesticides in the Pantry” scorecard, which rates food manufacturers and processors on how well they measure and mitigate risks related to supply chain pesticide use. Other large companies like PepsiCo and Lamb Weston are doing more to assess these risks, including disclosing metrics of pesticide use and avoidance by their suppliers. Some companies like General Mills have also acknowledged how pesticide reduction can make their supply chains more resilient, encouraging the soil health and absorbency that protects farms against increased climate impacts like floods. 

“Major food companies will benefit substantially by taking action to reduce the climate and environmental impact of how their foods are grown, as well as protect farmworker and consumer health. ADM has recognized the importance of scaling up sustainability but does not have metrics to measure or report whether its suppliers are reducing growing pesticide risk,” said Ariana Guilak, environmental health program coordinator at As You Sow. “Companies that want to create resiliency and ensure their agricultural supply chains are more sustainable must include consideration of chemical input use, including pesticides. We are pleased with the outcome of this vote and look forward to working with ADM on this issue going forward.”

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As You Sow is the nation’s leading shareholder advocacy nonprofit, with a 30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility and advancing values-aligned investing. Its issue areas include climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation. Click here for As You Sow’s shareholder resolution tracker.