🌱 Danone and Sistema.bio Launch Global Initiative to Bring Biodigesters to Smallholder Dairy Farms, Starting with India

Global | May 2025 — In a landmark step toward sustainable and climate-smart dairy farming, global food major Danone has signed an MoU with biodigestion technology leader Sistema.bio to deploy 6,500 biodigesters by 2030 across smallholder dairy farms—starting with India, Mexico, and Morocco.

The agreement was formalized at the 17th International Agricultural Exhibition (SIAM) in Morocco and represents a shared mission to reduce methane emissions, lower input costs, and empower smallholder farmers through access to renewable energy and organic fertilizer derived from livestock waste.

“Partnering with Sistema.bio to implement biodigesters is a key enabler in improving local food sovereignty, reducing environmental impact, and increasing economic return,” said Olivier Verdelet, Global SVP of Agriculture & Sustainability at Danone.

💡 How It Works: Turning Waste Into Energy & Fertilizer

Sistema.bio’s biodigesters convert cow dung and organic waste into biogas (for cooking or heating) and bio-slurry, a potent organic fertilizer that improves soil health and reduces dependency on chemical inputs.

This closed-loop system supports regenerative agriculture and helps farmers cut down on methane emissions, a major greenhouse gas in livestock farming.

“We’re helping thousands of farmers turn organic waste into productive resources—boosting output while transitioning to clean energy,” said Alexander Eaton, CEO and Co-founder of Sistema.bio.

🇮🇳 India’s Role in the Initiative

India, one of the first countries targeted for rollout, is home to over 75 million dairy farmers, the majority of whom are smallholders managing fewer than 10 cows. The deployment of biodigesters offers a high-impact, low-cost solution for these farmers—many of whom lack access to reliable energy or affordable inputs.

Danone has longstanding dairy collaborations in India through subsidiaries and partnerships with cooperatives and will leverage its local network to implement the program.

This initiative aligns with India’s climate-smart dairy goals, particularly under schemes like the National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) Net Zero initiative, and supports the government’s broader methane mitigation strategy under the Global Methane Pledge.

♻️ Global Sustainability & Supply Chain Resilience

The biodigester deployment supports Danone’s larger ambition to decarbonize its global dairy supply chain and promote food system resilience. Currently, Danone works with over 60,000 dairy farmers worldwide.

In Morocco, the initiative ties into Danone’s “Hlib Bladi” program to boost local milk production and circular farming. Similar integration is expected in India with locally adapted models and capacity-building for farmers.