Operations

Chipotle continues support of farmers

Provided

May 7, 2020

Last year, 56% of U.S. farms lost money with financial losses in 2020 expected to increase due to the pandemic and food scarcity supply issues, according to Chipotle's 2019 Sustainability Report Update. To do its part, the chain is offering education, scholarships, grants, and three-year contracts to young farmers, according to a company press release.

Through a partnership between the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation and the National Young Farmers Coalition, 50 recipients will receive a $5,000 grant, a total of $250,000, from the partnership to start or grow their business. Young farmers submitted applications earlier this year sharing their personal stories and indicating how they will use these funds. Chipotle and the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation have contributed over $500,000 to support the next generation of farmers.

"Young farmers and ranchers are providing food and essential services for their communities and are facing greater challenges than ever before," Sophie Ackoff,co-executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition said in the release. "We are thrilled to partner with Chipotle to make an investment in this next generation and to provide critical funding to help them overcome the challenges they face launching and building their new farm businesses."

The chain rolled out support to young farmers last year, raising money through consumer actions to fund Seed Grants to establish and assist young farmers. 

When people eat at Chipotle, they are supporting a business with integrity that is actively fighting to cultivate a better world, Caitlin Leibert, head of Sustainability at Chipotle said in the release.

"As a very public and engaged brand, we have a great responsibility to ensure action and accountability in the areas of sustainability and transparency, and I am so proud of our success in 2019 and inspired for the future ahead."

Chipotle is also working to support growth-stage ventures across the country to advance innovative solutions in farming through its accelerator program, Chipotle Aluminaries Project, first rolled out last year. The program is sponsored by the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation partnership with Uncharted, both nonprofit organizations. The eight selected ventures chosen for the 2020 cohort will be announced later this month to receive support and mentorship from industry leaders.

"The work we've accomplished in 2019 is exciting and sets the tone for our continued investment, growth and support for the farming community," Chipotle CEO and Chairman Brian Niccol said in the release. "We will leverage our economic influence to provide the education, training and tools needed to cultivate the future of farming."