General Mills CEO Emphasizes Sustainability as Core Business Strategy

General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening emphasized the integration of sustainability into the company's core business strategy during a dinner event held in partnership with Deloitte for sustainability leaders in Minneapolis. Harmening highlighted the critical role of regenerative agriculture, noting that without significant changes, 90% of topsoil could be in danger by 2050. General Mills has made substantial progress towards its goal of advancing regenerative agriculture on a million acres of land by 2030, achieving over 60% of this target. This progress is particularly noteworthy given the broader challenges in sustainability, including the rollback of environmental regulations and the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Harmening's approach to sustainability is characterized by a focused strategy. He reduced the number of company-wide initiatives from 70 to 10, concentrating on three core areas: regenerative agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and recycling. This focus is not just about compliance but about driving business growth. Harmening stated, “We don’t sell Cheerios in the morning and then think about sustainability in the afternoon.” This philosophy underscores the company's commitment to integrating sustainability into its daily operations and long-term strategy.

The private sector's role in sustainability was a central theme at the dinner. Many leaders shared examples of how sustainability initiatives have not only protected but also grown their businesses. The conversation highlighted that regulations often move laggards rather than leaders, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Harmening's focus on regenerative agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and recycling reflects a strategic approach to sustainability that aligns with the company's business goals.