Most of the milk and cream used in the ice cream comes from 300 dairy farms in the vicinity of the Arras site
Since this programme launched in 2024, the farms involved have lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 12 %. Within five years, General Mills hopes to support a further 7 % reduction from baseline.
Benjamin says:“ The key principles are minimising soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, rotational grazing and feeding cows a diverse mix of crops. Throughout the five-year pilot we are carrying out regular monitoring and measurement of the impact on eco-system quality, soil health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, cow well-being and farm resilience.”
But it is not just about decarbonisation. Around half of France’ s 400,000 farmers are set to retire by 2030 and only 100,000 expected to replace them. Unless farming becomes a more attractive profession, these local ingredients may cease to be produced.
“ Central to the success of regenerative agriculture programs for all of us is the success of the farmers,” Benjamin explains.“ We all have a shared interest in making agriculture fit for the future so that we can continue to source the highest quality of ingredients for decades to come.”
96 June 2026