Ailean Arias Gutiérrez
Brock Donnelly
Nathan Emmenecker
RIZZA ANNE REGIDOR
The University of Toledo
Gary Insch
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Innovation at The Andersons goes beyond products and technology. But also, through its venture capital arm, Maumee Ventures. Maumee Ventures is a division of Anderson that funds sustainable agriculture startups, who provide significant value and that aim to solve unmet demands or needs. The Andersons have a different idea of innovation. It is not enough to design or create a solution; they want to make sure others can benefit as well. They have become leaders in agricultural sustainability by empowering farmers, communities, and others to do the same.
The Andersons have proven that innovation in agriculture is not just about efficiency, but also about sustainability and resilience. Their efforts utilize modern technology, product development, and compliance with the rapidly changing global standards. One of their more recent developments, SmartOS DG fertilizer, symbolizes Anderson’s drive for sustainability. This product minimizes environmental Impact while still providing quality fertilizer. As ESG Director Deborah Krajicek explained, the product will “fertilize the root of the plant but decrease the runoff into waterways.” This will help farmers grow stronger crops without causing damage to the local ecosystems. Paired with drone technology for fertilizer dispersion, environmental damage is even further reduced. Not only are greenhouse gases lowered, but water usage has decreased from ten gallons an acre to two gallons.
The Andersons, because of the nature of their business, realized that climate change is drastically affecting them and increasing risks that could negatively affect their business specifically. And they were not alone, other companies started realizing there needs to be changes in the way businesses in general work, but especially agricultural companies, so The Andersons started accounting for greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring they are using the right EPA metrics, and looking into how they are handling waste, energy, supply chain, and scope, which reflects on their innovations described in this paper.
This is especially important for international agricultural companies like The Andersons, which not only have to follow regulations from its home country, but also other regulations that are also essential for other geographic regions, like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Therefore, the company “is always looking at ways to lessen waste" to not only mitigate climate change risk, but also to stay compliant with regulations and stay competitive as “a company that is heavily interested and involved with sustainability, legitimately.”
One of the impacts The Anderson’s innovation in the agriculture industry is their specialty products of fertilizers. This allows the Anderson’s to differentiate themselves in the marketplace of fertilizers. With continuous improvement and research, the Anderson’s creates brand loyalty and trusted products. The societal impact is beneficial both in the short term and long term.
The benefits to society and the environment are fertilizers that enhance crop productivity and minimize nutrient runoff. Long-term benefits would be less runoff, which would lead to less pollution in local waterways and would improve the water quality. Short term would be that the farmers using this fertilizer will maximize efficiency in their harvest and have less waste; this would lead to more produce at our local markets. Research and development take place at a greenhouse in Bowling Green, Ohio. This is where their research team can monitor the effects of several types of fertilizer formulas and the effects they have on crop growth. One of the impacts that our interviewee mentioned was the use of drones for fertilizer applications. The Andersons’ ESG Director, Deborah Krajicek, stated that, “we can utilize drones for the disperse of fertilizer as opposed to using a common tractor.... the drones are battery operated, tractors are gas powered so right there, you are minimizing your greenhouse gas emissions.” This is one other way that The Andersons are setting themselves apart from other companies in the industry of agriculture.
Research and development take place at a greenhouse in Bowling Green, Ohio. This is where their research team can monitor the effects of several types of fertilizer formulas and the effects they have on crop growth. One of the impacts that our interviewee mentioned was the use of drones for fertilizer applications. The Andersons’ ESG Director, Deborah Krajicek, stated that, “we can utilize drones for the disperse of fertilizer as opposed to using a common tractor.... the drones are battery operated, tractors are gas powered so right there, you are minimizing your greenhouse gas emissions.” This is one other way that The Andersons are setting themselves apart from other companies in the industry of agriculture.
The Andersons mitigates climate-related risks and ensures market access. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with their strategic investments through Maumee Ventures, solidifies their reputation as a legitimate leader in agricultural sustainability. This attracts investors and customers alike, turning environmental responsibility into a powerful driver of business growth and resilience.
The innovations directly reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. The SmartOS DG fertilizer is designed to nourish plant roots while minimizing nutrient runoff into local waterways, which reduces water pollution and improves water quality. The use of battery-operated drones for fertilizer dispersion, instead of gas-powered tractors, lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this precise drone technology has dramatically reduced water usage from ten gallons per acre to just two gallons, conserving a vital resource.
These advancements support farmers and communities by promoting a more sustainable and resilient food system. Farmers benefit from increased crop productivity and harvest efficiency, leading to less waste and more produce available in local markets. By building a more climate-resilient agricultural sector, the innovations help secure the long-term stability of food production. Therefore, the company's commitment to responsible land use and cutting-edge technology fosters a healthier environment for communities and ecosystems alike.
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Deborah Krajicek (ESG Director), Director, ESG
From humble beginnings over 75 years ago, The Andersons, Inc. has grown into one of the top 500 traded Fortune companies. Based in Maumee, Ohio, USA, this diversified company is rooted in agriculture.
Since its establishment in 1947, The Andersons has become a mid-sized powerhouse with approximately 2,400 employees. Its primary operations include grain trading, ethanol production, plant nutrient manufacturing (fertilizer), and railcar leasing, creating a deeply integrated agricultural supply chain.