Farmer income is becoming a topic of increased focus for leading companies that include Mars, ABInBev, Danone, and Nestlé that collaborate to learn in the Farmer Income Lab. They understand that any effort to drive sustainability must take into account a reasonable income for those who produce the food and ingredients that go into some of the world’s most iconic products. In fact, Mars’ CPO Barry Parkin already understands that this will require a disruption to business as usual and that may not be easy for one of the most successful consumer-oriented companies in the food and beverage industry. We applaud the moral courage required to do that and are proud to collaborate with them as they seek to do that with intelligence and thoughtful care.

COSA is working closely with Mars and the Lab to develop optimal metrics to help ensure a science-based yet down-to-earth perspective, through its Common Core Framework and Learning Framework. Members of the Advisory Council are committed to understanding the levers that contribute to raising farmer incomes, and determining what pragmatic approaches companies can undertake to be more effective in that.