Climate

The way food is grown, made and moved is changing. Weather patterns are shifting. Resources are under pressure. What happens in the climate shows up in the food people rely on.

At General Mills, we’re working across our full value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure the long-term availability of ingredients, and improve the climate resilience of farming communities.

Our climate commitment

We’ve committed to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across our full value chain by 2030, compared to our 2020 baseline, and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Most of our emissions occur outside our own operations. That’s why our work extends beyond our facilities to how ingredients are grown, how products are made and how they move through the supply chain.

Why climate action matters

Today, climate change is already affecting how food is produced.

Extreme weather, water stress and shifting growing conditions can disrupt crops, reduce yields and create uncertainty for farmers and communities.

These changes create real risks to ingredient supply, disrupt supply chains and put pressure on ecosystems food depends on.

How we’re taking action

We’re making measurable progress to achieve our climate commitment, including focus on key areas where emissions are highest: agriculture and ingredients, energy and manufacturing, transportation and packaging.

By combining science-based targets, partnerships and ongoing improvement, we’re working toward a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Agriculture and ingredients

Agriculture is the largest contributor to our greenhouse gas footprint.

We work with farmers and partners in the regions where we source ingredients to adopt practices that improve soil health, reduce emissions and help farms respond to environmental stress. By supporting regenerative agriculture, we aim to promote widespread restoration of ecosystems for the benefit of the farmers, communities and food systems that depend on them.

Energy and manufacturing

We’re powering our value chain sustainably to meet our climate commitment. We’ve surpassed our 2030 Scope 1 and 2 climate goals, continuously driving reductions within our owned operations. Additionally, we’re fostering partnerships across our value chain to amplify the reach of sustainable manufacturing solutions.

These efforts reduce emissions from manufacturing and support our ambition to address 100% of electricity use for our global operations by 2030 through direct operational measures and the application of renewable energy certificates (RECs). We addressed 98% of this target through fiscal 2025.

Transportation

We work with logistics partners and customers to reduce the environmental impact of shipping our products around the world.

This includes improving efficiency, shifting to lower-emission transport methods and exploring new technologies that reduce fuel use.

Packaging

We’re reducing the environmental impact of packaging while maintaining food safety, nutrition, and quality.

Our goal is to design 100% of our packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030. At the same time, we’re considering how materials and design choices affect emissions across the product lifecycle.

Climate Transition Action Plan

In 2024, General Mills launched its Climate Transition Action Plan — one of the first of its kind among U.S. food companies — outlining how we’re addressing climate risks and reducing emissions across our value chain.

It also tracks the actions we’re taking and the progress we’re making toward our 2030 and 2050 goals.

How we work across the food system

Reducing emissions at scale requires collaboration.

We work with farmers, suppliers and partners across the food system to advance solutions that reduce emissions and strengthen resilience.

This includes investing in innovation, improving data and measurement, and supporting practices that deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Frequently asked questions