The ADM/Unilever Soybean Sustainability Program, highlighted at the 2014 Farm Progress Show, is helping farmers bring out the best in Hellmann’s mayonnaise.

The program was introduced earlier this year as a cooperative effort of Unilever, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and the Iowa Soybean Association. ADM procures sustainably-raised soybeans from Iowa growers, processes soybeans at its Des Moines plant and then sells the oil to Unilever, which uses it to make Hellmann’s mayonnaise.

Unilever CEO Paul Pohlman decided in 2010 that he wanted to see his company become more sustainable. “Unilever as a company has committed to sustainably sourcing all of our commodities by the year 2020 and in the U.S. soy is our number one commodity,” said Stefanie Grant with Unilever, who adds that one of the highlights for her is telling the farmer’s story. Being an Iowa native brings this even closer to her as she helps tell the story of agriculture. Interview with Stefanie Grant, Unilever

“100% of the soybean oil used for Hellmann’s mayonnaise comes out of our Des Moines facility,” said Maree Deventer, who is the soy sustainability program coordinator for ADM in Des Moines. “We partnered with a supply chain documentation tool called ‘Field to Market Fieldprint Calculator‘ to map acreage and collect farming practices data.” That includes everything from soil erosion to greenhouse gases and water quality.

Maree says Iowa farmers have been very excited about the program. “It’s a great opportunity for producers to get their story out,” she said. Interview with Maree Deventer, ADM

2014 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2014 Farm Progress Show is sponsored by