Exploring the Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems: A Conversation with Adam Herges

The content of this blog is derived from my interview with Adam Herges- Sustainability Agronomist Advisor, The Mosaic Company.

A Legacy of Supporting Farmers

The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems has been driving change for two decades. From its beginnings, the foundation has championed farmer-centric programming in the United States, India, and Brazil. In its recent relaunch, the foundation has embraced a more refined focus, emphasizing a holistic systems approach to building resilient agricultural practices across these three nations.

Empowering Communities and Farmers

Adam elaborated on the foundation’s pivotal work in the U.S., highlighting collaborations with influential organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited. These partnerships provide critical technical assistance to farmers and promote sustainable practices like nutrient stewardship—a science-based framework emphasizing optimal use of nutrients to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts.

The Nature Conservancy, for instance, has helped farmers implement nutrient management adjustments on over 10 million acres within the Mississippi River Basin. Similarly, Ducks Unlimited has supported rice farmers through their stewardship partnership, which impacts one-third of U.S. rice acres—a program that has made significant strides in scale and sustainability.

Bridging Agriculture and Community Development

Beyond farming practices, the Mosaic Company Foundation is deeply committed to enriching the lives of communities it serves. In India and Brazil, initiatives such as renovating schools have created more opportunities for children, while fostering entrepreneurship among women. These efforts recognize the integral connection between thriving agricultural systems and prosperous rural communities.

Adam emphasized that enhancing crop production allows farmers to reduce labor-intensive work, paving the way for educational and economic growth within farming families. By intertwining agricultural success with community upliftment, the foundation’s impact extends far beyond the fields.

Making Sustainable Practices Accessible

Addressing the challenges of implementing sustainable practices, Adam underscored the importance of tailoring solutions to individual farms. By providing technical expertise and promoting innovative practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage, the foundation empowers farmers to navigate their unique sustainability journeys amidst an era of extreme weather events.

Farmer-Led Initiatives: Building on Generations of Knowledge

One of the foundation's cornerstones is its focus on farmer-led initiatives. As Adam pointed out, farmers possess invaluable insights from generations of experience. Rather than employing a top-down approach, the foundation fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers themselves—an approach that has proven impactful in advancing sustainable practices.

Looking Ahead: Educating the Next Generation

As the foundation moves forward, its priority lies in nurturing future generations of farmers. With challenges such as cropland reduction and family farm consolidation on the rise, the Mosaic Company Foundation is developing programs to ensure that young farmers are equipped to lead the way in sustainable agriculture.