Four-phase approach to sustainable supply chain water use

• PHASE 1

  Assessment

  A study of key operation and growing region watersheds, using external standards and building on work completed with The Nature Conservancy

• PHASE 2

  Analysis and action planning

  Deep-dive analysis of at-risk growing areas, in conjunction with external experts

• PHASE 3

  Collaboration

  Establish multi-stakeholder water stewardship plan to implement identified improvements

• PHASE 4

  Transformation

  Implement water stewardship program with public education and advocacy, funding, and monitoring and reporting

General Mills' 8 Priority Watersheds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. INDIA CHINA

united states

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Snake River

Idaho, U.S.

Growing region (wheat, potatoes)

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 4 Transformation

This watershed has plans in place aligned with our ambition.

General Mills is tracking the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan as the plan toward watershed sustainability. We support TNC to help farmers implement water management and soil health practices that reduce groundwater withdrawals and address declining water levels and watershed health in this area. In 2017, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) allocated $5.2 million to promote and implement irrigation and water saving projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program. TNC also received a grant from the NRCS to help develop the business case for farmers to reduce water use.

Also see: Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, TNC soil health roadmap

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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San Joaquin

California, U.S.

Growing region (dairy/nuts/fruits/vegetables), facility

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 3 Collaboration

This watershed is developing plans aligned with our ambition.

General Mills has supported TNC and Sustainable Conservation to develop tools such as the groundwater dependent ecosystem tool and the groundwater recharge assessment tool to assist groundwater managers to complete their Groundwater Sustainability Plans. Through the California Water Action Collaborative, we share resources and information with other food and beverage companies, suppliers and conservation organizations to improve water security in the San Joaquin watershed.

Most recently, we supported the development of the California Groundwater Exchange, a portal for resources and collaboration to assist water managers, water users and community members with implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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Rio Grande/Rio Bravo

New Mexico, U.S.

Facility

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 4 Transformation

This watershed has plans in place aligned with our ambition.

We contribute to the Rio Grande Water Fund's work to help advance water conservation and education efforts in the Albuquerque community, including restoring forests to reduce catastrophic wildfires that threaten the area's water supply. Recently, our Albuquerque cereal and snack plant partnered with The Nature Conservancy to collect rain water, Saving Every Drop. Additionally, we are tracking the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility's 100-year long-range water supply plan for the metropolitan area called, Water 2120: Securing our Water Future.

As a founding member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), we have completed and self-certified to the AWS Standard at our cereal and snack facility in Albuquerque and its surrounding catchment. The AWS Standard facilitates the documentation of shared water risks in the catchment and efforts to abate them.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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South Florida Basins

Florida, U.S.

Growing region (sugar cane)

Risk Level: High

PHASE 4 Transformation

This watershed has plans in place aligned with our ambition.

General Mills is tracking The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) that is currently being implemented according to the Integrated Delivery Schedule, a collaboration created with multi-stakeholder input.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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Rio Lerma

El Bajio, Mexico

Growing region (strawberries)

Risk Level: High

PHASE 2 Analysis and action planning

This watershed is in the analysis phase.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter and WRI Aqueduct, customized to General Mills.

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Bayou Meto/Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer System

Eastern Arkansas

Growing region (rice)

Risk Level: High

PHASE 3 Collaboration

This watershed is developing plans aligned with our ambition.

General Mills is contributing to The Nature Conservancy’s Eastern Arkansas Project water fund, targeting land located in critical groundwater areas within our rice sourcing supply shed.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter and WRI Aqueduct, customized to General Mills.

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China

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Yongding He

Hebei/Sanhe (Beijing),CHINA

Growing region (dairy), facility

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 3 Collaboration

This watershed is developing plans aligned with our ambition.

We are in the process of implementing the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard at our facility and the surrounding catchment.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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Huang He (Yellow)

Shandong, CHINA

Growing region (dairy)

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 2 Analysis

This watershed is in the analysis phase.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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Yangtze (Chang Jiang)

Shanghai, CHINA

Facilities

Risk Level: High

PHASE 3 Collaboration

This watershed is developing plans aligned with our ambition.

In January 2015, General Mills and TNC completed an analysis of this watershed and identified water quality and potential flooding as the main issues. Action planning is underway.

We are in the process of implementing the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard at our facilities and the surrounding catchments.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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India

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Ganges

Madhya Pradesh, INDIA

Growing region (wheat)

Risk Level: Extremely High

PHASE 3 Collaboration

This watershed is developing plans aligned with our ambition.

General Mills and TNC completed a deep-dive assessment into the watershed, farming practices and the opportunities for improvement. We are collaborating on developing a water fund and other opportunities for the region. As part of this effort, we participated in farmer interviews and blogged about the work.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter, customized to General Mills.

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Escault River

Arras, FRANCE

Growing region (dairy, sugarbeets), facility

Risk Level: High

PHASE 2 Analysis and action planning

This watershed is in the analysis phase.

Risk levels are based on the WWF Water Risk Filter and WRI Aqueduct, customized to General Mills.

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