ADM and Enactus Launch Race to Feed the Planet

ADM Cares, the philanthropic arm of ADM, is partnering with nonprofit organization Enactus on a student competition to encourage entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainable innovation across the food and agriculture value chain. The 2022 Enactus Race to Feed the Planet, sponsored by ADM and LIVEKINDLY, is aimed at tackling food insecurity through plant-based agriculture, products and enterprises.

A total of 68 teams of university students from 16 countries have entered 80 projects in the competition. The winning team will receive $25,000 in funding to further scale their project. This week, Enactus announced the top 48 projects selected for their potential to generate sustainable, positive impact.

ADM marketing directors from around the world will serve as mentors to project teams that are moving forward in the race, and will provide them with industry insights and expert coaching. The group includes global representation from ADM’s operations with the six volunteer mentors residing in Belgium, China, Mexico, Switzerland and the United States.

“Food insecurity is a critical issue in today’s world and is personally very close to my heart,” said mentor Micah Greenhill, ADM Marketing Director, Beverage & Meat Alternatives, North America. “I believe that food is essential, and I’m thrilled to be able to help others make nutrition more accessible to underserved communities. Providing coaching in go-to-market strategy will help these teams achieve sustainable scalable success, meeting the needs of others.”

ADM recognizes that next generation leaders are deeply committed to using their power for good. For example, 32% of Gen Z and 28% of Millennial adults in the U.S. say they have personally taken action to help address climate change in the last year, according to Pew Research Center. Similarly, Deloitte found that 23% of Gen Z globally believes that companies and business leaders have the potential to help bring about significant change.

“With the support of ADM, the next generation leaders from Enactus can tackle the world’s toughest challenges like food insecurity,” said Betsy Liley, Chief Development Officer for Enactus. “The Race to Feed the Planet will mobilize Enactus teams to tackle food insecurity through plant-based agriculture, products or enterprises and make a measurable impact on the global goals.”  

Next month the competition will be narrowed to the top 12 projects, then in June a group of four finalists will be selected. Those teams will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the 2022 Enactus World Cup from October 30-November 2 where judges will choose a winner in The Race to Feed the Planet and other races that are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.