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Regenerative Agriculture, Serving the French Farm: How Royal Canin and Soil Capital Support Farmers Facing Climate Change

January 27, 2026

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Paris, 27 January 2026. Just two years after launching their partnership, Royal Canin and Soil Capital present an assessment of their joint commitment to regenerative agriculture. Unveiled today during a press conference, the results highlight significant environmental, agricultural, and economic progress, achieved through the rapid deployment of the programme in the field. Launched in 2023, the partnership between Royal Canin and Soil Capital supports French farmers in adopting cultivation practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These changes in practices result in direct remuneration. In a context of agricultural crisis marked by rising costs and volatile incomes, this programme represents a complementary source of income for participating farmers.

After two years of partnership:

  • 100% of the volumes of French cereals used by Royal Canin, representing more than 75,000 tonnes, are covered by the Soil Capital regenerative agriculture programme;
  • Over 250 French farmers are involved across nearly 60,000 hectares in transition;
  • 11 million euros will be paid back to the farmers in the programme over 5 years;
  • A reduction of more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ for Royal Canin’s carbon footprint;
  • 66% of supported farmers sequester more carbon than they emit through the implementation of innovative agronomic practices;

Renewed Farming Practices

The farms supported by Soil Capital with the backing of Royal Canin have implemented profound changes:

  • Thanks to the adoption of simplified tillage techniques, and the use of direct drilling (i.e., no ploughing), 87% of farms show a low, so-called regenerative, soil disturbance indicator. By reducing pressure on soils, regenerative agriculture increases resistance to erosion and promotes microbial life in the soil;
  • 70.5% of farms therefore present a low risk of erosion. Thanks to better soil cover throughout the year, they also see a reduction in the risk of rainwater runoff;
  • 85% of farms have reduced or eliminated their use of pesticides.

An Advantageous Economic Model for Farmers

Beyond the environmental impact, the programme has demonstrated concrete economic benefits for farmers. The most advanced farms in the programme show reduced production costs compared to the average. This is explained by:

  • Reduced fuel consumption, thanks to limited tillage;
  • A limitation of mineral fertilisers and phytosanitary products;
  • The integration of legumes, natural nitrogen fixers, into crop rotation, which helps cover the soil and reduce the use of mineral nitrogen fertilisers.

A Sustainable Environmental Commitment

This partnership illustrates the principle of mutuality dear to Royal Canin: creating shared value between the company, farmers, and the environment. It is central to Royal Canin's sustainability roadmap, contributing to the overall goal of the Mars, Incorporated group to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. To achieve this, Royal Canin notably aims to:

  • Cover 86% of the electricity needs of its global factories via renewable sources;
  • Make its historical site in Aimargues (Gard) a hub for sustainable pet food innovation, supported by 32 million euros of investments announced at the Choose France summit in 2025.

Beyond environmental objectives, Royal Canin promotes an innovative and sustainable agricultural model that values the farming profession and sustains a French supply for years to come. Agricultural production is more resilient to extreme weather phenomena, farmers are financially supported for implementing environmentally friendly practices, and the company strengthens its long-term business model.

Building on the success of this partnership, Royal Canin has started a similar programme in Poland and aims to extend this model to new territories and sectors. As Cédric Malié, President of Royal Canin France, pointed out, "The agricultural transition is everyone's business, and it also requires the commitment of companies. That is why we wanted to play our full part. Investing in regenerative agriculture not only reduces our environmental impact but also ensures a local and sustainable supply chain."

For Chuck de Liedekerke, CEO of Soil Capital "This partnership illustrates the central role of agri-food companies in the agricultural transition. We are proud to work together, with Royal Canin and the farmers, to ensure the health of our soils, protect the environment, and create a sustainable agricultural model".

According to Sébastien Neveux, a farmer in the Yonne region "The support from Soil Capital allowed me to take the plunge to initiate concrete changes. Implementing these new practices was not without its challenges, but the results are there: reduced inputs, better soil quality, and lower costs. Everyone is a winner".

Press Contact: Léa Trentalaud – lea.trentalaud@chefcab.fr – 06 33 59 27 31

About ROYAL CANIN®:

ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin division of the Mars, Incorporated group, and is a global leader in health through nutrition for cats and dogs, thus fulfilling its mission: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs, available from specialist pet retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the boundaries of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with animal professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach places the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. The age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities of animals are studied through science and observation to produce diets tailored to their specific needs.

ROYAL CANIN® creates value not only for animals but also for people and the planet. This means being beneficial for the ecosystem, valuing its employees, building lasting relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about ensuring a viable future for future generations.

To find out more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com

About Mars, Incorporated:

Mars, Incorporated is guided by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a family-owned business valued at over $65 billion, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services supports pets everywhere, and our quality snacks and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's most beloved brands, including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our global networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™, cover preventive, general, specialist, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers cutting-edge animal diagnostic capabilities.

Mars’ Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets, and the planet.

For more information about Mars, visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About SOIL CAPITAL

Founded in 2013, Soil Capital is a B Corp certified company whose mission is to help farmers and industry move towards regenerative and sustainable agriculture. Present in France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, Soil Capital has developed an agronomic intelligence programme that supports farmers and companies committed to improving soil health, adapting to climate change, and strengthening food sovereignty.

For farmers, it combines direct financial incentive, agronomic support, and a digital platform for data collection and analysis. This approach engages farmers in the regenerative transition while offering businesses the transparency and traceability necessary for environmental projects. The methodology respects the FLAG requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), helping companies reduce their Scope 3 emissions and achieve their sustainability goals.

To find out more, visit www.soilcapital.com.

Press Contact: Maud Lesure - m.lesure@soilcapital.com - tel +32 486 56 98 14

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Table of contents

Paris, 27 January 2026. Just two years after launching their partnership, Royal Canin and Soil Capital present an assessment of their joint commitment to regenerative agriculture. Unveiled today during a press conference, the results highlight significant environmental, agricultural, and economic progress, achieved through the rapid deployment of the programme in the field. Launched in 2023, the partnership between Royal Canin and Soil Capital supports French farmers in adopting cultivation practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These changes in practices result in direct remuneration. In a context of agricultural crisis marked by rising costs and volatile incomes, this programme represents a complementary source of income for participating farmers.

After two years of partnership:

  • 100% of the volumes of French cereals used by Royal Canin, representing more than 75,000 tonnes, are covered by the Soil Capital regenerative agriculture programme;
  • Over 250 French farmers are involved across nearly 60,000 hectares in transition;
  • 11 million euros will be paid back to the farmers in the programme over 5 years;
  • A reduction of more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ for Royal Canin’s carbon footprint;
  • 66% of supported farmers sequester more carbon than they emit through the implementation of innovative agronomic practices;

Renewed Farming Practices

The farms supported by Soil Capital with the backing of Royal Canin have implemented profound changes:

  • Thanks to the adoption of simplified tillage techniques, and the use of direct drilling (i.e., no ploughing), 87% of farms show a low, so-called regenerative, soil disturbance indicator. By reducing pressure on soils, regenerative agriculture increases resistance to erosion and promotes microbial life in the soil;
  • 70.5% of farms therefore present a low risk of erosion. Thanks to better soil cover throughout the year, they also see a reduction in the risk of rainwater runoff;
  • 85% of farms have reduced or eliminated their use of pesticides.

An Advantageous Economic Model for Farmers

Beyond the environmental impact, the programme has demonstrated concrete economic benefits for farmers. The most advanced farms in the programme show reduced production costs compared to the average. This is explained by:

  • Reduced fuel consumption, thanks to limited tillage;
  • A limitation of mineral fertilisers and phytosanitary products;
  • The integration of legumes, natural nitrogen fixers, into crop rotation, which helps cover the soil and reduce the use of mineral nitrogen fertilisers.

A Sustainable Environmental Commitment

This partnership illustrates the principle of mutuality dear to Royal Canin: creating shared value between the company, farmers, and the environment. It is central to Royal Canin's sustainability roadmap, contributing to the overall goal of the Mars, Incorporated group to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. To achieve this, Royal Canin notably aims to:

  • Cover 86% of the electricity needs of its global factories via renewable sources;
  • Make its historical site in Aimargues (Gard) a hub for sustainable pet food innovation, supported by 32 million euros of investments announced at the Choose France summit in 2025.

Beyond environmental objectives, Royal Canin promotes an innovative and sustainable agricultural model that values the farming profession and sustains a French supply for years to come. Agricultural production is more resilient to extreme weather phenomena, farmers are financially supported for implementing environmentally friendly practices, and the company strengthens its long-term business model.

Building on the success of this partnership, Royal Canin has started a similar programme in Poland and aims to extend this model to new territories and sectors. As Cédric Malié, President of Royal Canin France, pointed out, "The agricultural transition is everyone's business, and it also requires the commitment of companies. That is why we wanted to play our full part. Investing in regenerative agriculture not only reduces our environmental impact but also ensures a local and sustainable supply chain."

For Chuck de Liedekerke, CEO of Soil Capital "This partnership illustrates the central role of agri-food companies in the agricultural transition. We are proud to work together, with Royal Canin and the farmers, to ensure the health of our soils, protect the environment, and create a sustainable agricultural model".

According to Sébastien Neveux, a farmer in the Yonne region "The support from Soil Capital allowed me to take the plunge to initiate concrete changes. Implementing these new practices was not without its challenges, but the results are there: reduced inputs, better soil quality, and lower costs. Everyone is a winner".

Press Contact: Léa Trentalaud – lea.trentalaud@chefcab.fr – 06 33 59 27 31

About ROYAL CANIN®:

ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin division of the Mars, Incorporated group, and is a global leader in health through nutrition for cats and dogs, thus fulfilling its mission: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs, available from specialist pet retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the boundaries of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with animal professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach places the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. The age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities of animals are studied through science and observation to produce diets tailored to their specific needs.

ROYAL CANIN® creates value not only for animals but also for people and the planet. This means being beneficial for the ecosystem, valuing its employees, building lasting relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about ensuring a viable future for future generations.

To find out more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com

About Mars, Incorporated:

Mars, Incorporated is guided by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a family-owned business valued at over $65 billion, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services supports pets everywhere, and our quality snacks and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's most beloved brands, including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our global networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™, cover preventive, general, specialist, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers cutting-edge animal diagnostic capabilities.

Mars’ Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets, and the planet.

For more information about Mars, visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About SOIL CAPITAL

Founded in 2013, Soil Capital is a B Corp certified company whose mission is to help farmers and industry move towards regenerative and sustainable agriculture. Present in France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, Soil Capital has developed an agronomic intelligence programme that supports farmers and companies committed to improving soil health, adapting to climate change, and strengthening food sovereignty.

For farmers, it combines direct financial incentive, agronomic support, and a digital platform for data collection and analysis. This approach engages farmers in the regenerative transition while offering businesses the transparency and traceability necessary for environmental projects. The methodology respects the FLAG requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), helping companies reduce their Scope 3 emissions and achieve their sustainability goals.

To find out more, visit www.soilcapital.com.

Press Contact: Maud Lesure - m.lesure@soilcapital.com - tel +32 486 56 98 14

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