Pesticides’ harm to farm workers, frontline communities, farm resilience, and ecosystems are center-stage concerns for investors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Sophia Wilson, swilson@asyousow.org, (341) 600-1832

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA—APRIL 26, 2024—Kellanova, previously the Kellogg Company, released results today from its annual general meeting. Shareholders showed strong support for an As You Sow proposal calling on the company to disclose risks from pesticide use in its supply chain. Pesticides in agricultural supply chains have multiple cumulative environmental and social impacts that present a material risk to Kellanova. 

“Kellanova is quickly falling behind its peers in addressing pesticide risks,” said Danielle Fugere, president and chief counsel at As You Sow. “The company should view this strong support as an opportunity to adjust its practices and shift its mindset to long-term sustainability and agricultural productivity. Unfortunately, Kellanova seems to be going backward on pesticides.” 

In its split from Kellogg, Kellanova intentionally dropped its commitment to phase out glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant, a practice that can dramatically increase harmful pesticide residues in foods. Without a measurable pesticide reduction goal, Kellanova remains vulnerable to greenwashing claims and fails to promote long-term resiliency across its supply chain.

“Although Kellanova has identified ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ goals as part of its Better Days Promise, it doesn’t disclose pesticide use or, more importantly, doesn’t appear to take effective measures to reduce pesticide use. Other companies are taking steps to protect farm workers and neighbors, pollinators and wildlife,” said Cailin Dendas, senior environmental health coordinator at As You Sow.  

Competitors are already taking action to reduce, assess, and report pesticide risk: 

• General Mills has a comprehensive pesticide reduction plan focused on regenerative agriculture, integrated pest management, increasing organic acreage, and promoting pollinator health.

• Lamb Weston reports pounds of active ingredient pesticides used per ton of crops harvested annually. It also audits growers’ pesticide use through a third party.

• Conagra reports annually on pesticide use avoided through integrated pest management and monitoring practices – reporting 112,500 gallons of fumigant pesticides avoided since 2021. 

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As You Sow is the nation’s leading shareholder representative, 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.