How General Mills' Natural Brands Make Climate a Priority

From investing in sustainability enhancing technology to supporting regenerative agriculture programs, the big food company is taking on one of today's most pressing environmental issues
Mar 1, 2018 12:30 PM ET

Originally published on the New Hope Network blog

By Deanna Pogorelc

In 2015, General Mills, one of the world's largest food companies, pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain 28 percent by 2025. That's an ambitious goal that requires the corporation to reach far outside of its own walls; more than two-thirds of GHG emissions occur outside of General Mills' operations.

But it's a goal that Carla Vernon, the new president of its natural and organic operating unit, gets really fired up about. Vernon, who did environmental stewardship work before joining General Mills, took over the role when longtime Annie's President John Foraker stepped down last spring. She oversees the company's portfolio of natural and organic brands, including Annie's, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, Epic and Immaculate Baking. 

She talked with us about how the brands she oversees are taking on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

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