Chipotle Mexican Grill says a $2 million pledged donation to support farmers will be funded through its initiative to contribute 5% of profits from Tractor Beverage sales.
The funds will be distributed to Ohio State University, Cal State Monterey Bay, Colorado State University and the University of Florida to aid sustainable agriculture projects, according to a news release. Chipotle has also released a short film, “Unfolded,” which showcases sustainable agriculture comparable to the company’s Food With Integrity principles.
Chipotle said it created the film to generate awareness of sustainable agriculture practices and displays agrivoltaics — the practice of using land for both agriculture and solar energy production — which is an example of an initiative the brand is backing with its $2 million pledge.
Projects that will be supported by Chipotle’s four $500,000 contributions include:
- The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences establishing an agrivoltaics pilot program by integrating solar panels with crop production to generate both electricity and agricultural commodities.
- Cal State Monterey Bay College of Science constructing a greenhouse that will conduct lab research, including for Chipotle’s innovative agriculture projects, over the next three to five years.
- Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences establishing the Chipotle Future of Farming Fund at the Spur Campus in Denver to facilitate opportunities for K-12 students to explore careers in agriculture and research, as well as to explore solutions to food system challenges.
- University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences providing two-year charitable research grants to four graduate students pursuing sustainable agriculture projects that are focused on efforts to advance the future of food.
Chipotle said these donations are part of a larger commitment to give $5 million by the end of 2025 to support farmers. Through these donations, the company said it intends to cultivate the next generation of farmers and support breakthrough sustainable agriculture projects.
Through March 31, customers in the U.S. can round up their order total to the next highest dollar amount on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com to support the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, which extends Chipotle’s commitment to make real food accessible to all, including by providing scholarships to students enrolled in programs focused on sustainable food and agriculture, the release said.
“How we grow our food is how we grow our future,” said Chipotle Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt. “As a brand dedicated to agriculture that is good for both people and the planet, Chipotle is always exploring opportunities to advance the industry and support farmers. These impactful projects, headed by some of the brightest minds in ag innovation, create optimism for widespread adoption of sustainable agriculture and the future of real food.”
