Operations

Musician Jason Mraz joins Chipotle's sustainable farming efforts

April 29, 2021

In an effort to support projects building sustainable, equitable and efficient food systems, Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched its third accelerator program, the Aluminaries Project. Grammy-winning musician Jason Mraz, who is also a farmer and longstanding avocado supplier for Chipotle restaurants, is supporting the initiative, which offers seven months of customized support, including mentorship from Mraz and other industry leaders, individualized investor introductions, and Chipotle VIP cards.

Ventures may submit applications through May 21 by visiting https://uncharted.org/program/Chipotle-Aluminaries-Three.

"As a company that is committed to supporting the farming industry, Chipotle is calling upon growth stage ventures to help identify innovative solutions to solve the challenges within the nation's supply chain," Laurie Schalow, Chipotle chief corporate affairs officer, said in a company press release. "We believe that how we grow our food is how we grow our future and look forward to partnering with Jason Mraz and others who are passionate about helping us cultivate a better world."

Mraz said learning to work with land, trees and seasons was a humbling experience and made him understand that some farming practices can benefit the earth versus how other, less-careful choices contribute to pollution and the climate crisis.

"At The 'Mranch,' we prioritize regenerative, organic farming, growing resilience in addition to good foods," he said. "I believe the future of farming is innovative and spirited, where each of us see ourselves as a steward for the earth while advancing equity for all workers involved."

Chipotle hopes to shed light on the fact that the agricultural industry has lost 40 times more farmers than it has gained over the last decade.

"Farmers in parts of the west endured a difficult summer of wildfires that often threatened to destroy their land," according to the release. "The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted businesses, workers and disrupted national supply chains. Additionally, all across the country, the farming community reckoned with hard truths about racial equality and inclusion."

Chipotle has over 2,800 restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.