Issues
Animal welfare
At General Mills, we care about animal welfare – and we support the humane treatment of animals in agriculture.
Biotechnology
We know people care about the foods they eat - and we care about the foods we provide. On safety, we find broad global consensus among food and safety regulatory bodies that approved GM ingredients are safe.
Climate change
Providing for a growing population with fewer resources is a challenge that affects our planet, our business and each one of us. The risks associated with climate change include severe weather events that distress human life and affect entire ecosystems; reduction in crop yields; and increased stress on water availability.
Cocoa
As part of General Mills’ goal to sustainably source 100 percent of our 10 priority ingredients, we are committed to sourcing 100 percent of our cocoa volumes sustainably by 2020.
Deforestation
General Mills is committed to doing its part towards eliminating deforestation caused by agricultural expansion, and the resulting impacts on biodiversity, endangered species and climate change, together with the accompanying social conflicts. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for an estimated 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally.
Human rights
We believe that societies, economies and businesses thrive when human rights are protected and respected. Respect for human rights is fundamental to our purpose of serving the world by making food people love and to our commitment to ethical business conduct. Through this statement, we seek to clearly articulate our commitment and approach to human rights.
Palm Oil
General Mills is committed to sourcing palm oil in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Water policy
Water is essential for life - for drinking and sanitation and to grow food, generate power, support commerce, and nurture ecosystems. Nearly one billion people are without access to clean drinking water today; by 2030, 40 percent of the population is projected to face absolute water shortfall. As world population grows to 9 billion by 2050, the likelihood of living in a water-stressed region grows with it.