From Field-to-Fork
A bean crop produces a nutritionally sound, multi-functional food staple. But did you know it can also play a role in sustainable agriculture? An ADM bean crop can result in:
- Improved soil health and structure. Bean plants increase soil aeration and release nitrogen which can be used by other plants.This improved soil structure also improves water holding capacity.
- Decreased use of commercial fertilizers. Beans capture at least half of the nitrogen they require from otherwise untapped sources in the surrounding soil and air. As a result, the soil requires less fossil fuel-derived commercial fertilizer. Less commercial fertilizer also results in a decreased chance of water-contaminating runoff.
- Alternative Processing. ADM’s edible bean facility in Enderlin, North Dakota operates on steam and electricity produced from sunflower hulls and biomass at their cogeneration facility.
