Mars, Incorporated has launched “Protect the Peanut”, its first global program dedicated to safeguarding peanut crops from growing environmental and agricultural threats. The company — one of the top five peanut buyers worldwide — purchases over 136,000 tons annually for brands such as SNICKERS and M&M’S.
Backed by a $5 million investment over five years, the initiative aims to reduce crop losses of up to 30%, which currently cost farmers hundreds of millions of dollars. The plan supports genomic science-based methods to develop peanut varieties more resistant to pests, diseases, and climate change.
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“We’ve always believed Mars can play a unique role as an engine of innovation. The perfect peanut won’t appear by chance — it requires long-term investment, scientific ingenuity, and great partnerships, from the lab to the farm,” said Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Mars Snacking.
As a co-founder of the International Peanut Genome Initiative, Mars helped map over 2.5 billion DNA base pairs, sharing the data as open-source science and transforming peanut breeding into a precise genetic discipline. Among the tangible results is the “Sempre Verde” variety, grown in Brazil, which requires no fungicides and delivers a 30% higher yield.
With annual revenues exceeding $50 billion, Mars continues to invest in scientific innovation and sustainable agriculture to strengthen the global food supply chain.
Photo: freepik.com
